Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Shape a Self-Sufficient Micro Home in the Forest

Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Shape a Self-Sufficient Micro Home in the Forest
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this self-sufficient micro home seamlessly integrates into the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest while providing essential living functions through innovative ecological systems.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and visual texture.
03
Employs a bent A-frame design that minimizes material use while maximizing space.
04
Features a mechanical dumbwaiter for efficient transport of firewood within the home.
05
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency in water usage.

### Overview
Located in the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest in East Iceland, the project emphasizes the integration of residential living with natural ecosystems. Encompassing 25 square meters, the design embodies principles of symbiotic architecture, focusing on the interdependence between built environments and their ecological contexts. By utilizing innovative technologies and materials, the structure reflects a commitment to sustainability while promoting responsible resource management.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The design features an open floor plan that prioritizes the flow of natural light and air, with a central living space surrounded by functional zones, including a kitchen and a bathroom. Raised on stilts, the home reduces ground disturbance and allows precipitation runoff, promoting ecological harmony. A unique mechanical system, including a dumbwaiter, facilitates the efficient transport of firewood, enhancing user experience while underscoring the project’s operational efficiency.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
The project employs locally sourced timber for structural elements and finishes, establishing a direct connection with its surroundings. Steel provides necessary structural support, designed for resilience in Iceland’s challenging climate. Large windows enhance the visual relationship with the landscape, while solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems contribute to energy efficiency and water self-sufficiency. Each aspect of the material composition is meticulously curated to minimize waste and maximize the life cycle of resources, positioning the residency as a model of sustainable living.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy