Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cork-Structured Guest Houses Integrated with Solar Panels for Ecological Tourism

Author:
Roman Karpov
Cork-Structured Guest Houses Integrated with Solar Panels for Ecological Tourism
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Cork-studded structures equipped with photovoltaic technology blend seamlessly into Iceland's landscape, offering sustainable guest accommodations that foster a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork is used as the primary structural material for insulation and environmental sustainability.
02
Each guest house features movable foundations, allowing for site adaptability.
03
Solar panels are integrated into the design for efficient energy self-sufficiency.
04
Large glass panels provide panoramic views while maintaining thermal regulation.
05
The design includes advanced water management systems for sustainability.

### Overview

The Solarvörn (Solar Shield) project is situated in the diverse landscape of Iceland, designed as a series of guest houses that integrate ecological sustainability with cultural relevance. These structures feature an autonomous life support system, enabling mobility across the natural terrain. The project emphasizes a connection between visitors and the surrounding environment, utilizing renewable energy sources, particularly solar panels, to align with current sustainability practices in architecture.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The arrangement of buildings across the site demonstrates a deliberate integration with the landscape, optimizing views while minimizing environmental impact. The design encompasses not only individual guest houses but also communal areas, including a dining space, spa facilities, and observation areas for nature engagement. Each guest house is designed with a functional flow between floors, featuring living areas, kitchens, sanitary spaces, and terraces that promote indoor-outdoor interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials has been employed in this project, emphasizing both sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Cork serves as a primary structural material due to its lightweight and renewable characteristics, providing effective insulation. Concrete offers durability against Iceland's challenging weather, while large glass panels enhance natural light and create visual continuity with the exterior landscape. Additionally, wood is used in decking and walkways to introduce warmth and contrast to the concrete and glass elements.

The design includes advanced water management systems, allowing for the recycling of pool water for landscaping needs, further reflecting an environmental stewardship commitment. The guest houses are designed for mobility, ensuring adaptability for future requirements, while hybrid energy systems capitalize on solar power alongside lithium-ion storage solutions for efficient energy management.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in