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 Homes Merging with Icelandic Landscapes Through Sustainable Design

Authors:
Sam Walters, Oli Matini, Jake Scargill
Cross-Laminated Timber Homes Merging with Icelandic Landscapes Through Sustainable Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this architecture project seamlessly integrates sustainable living within Iceland's rugged terrain, offering a series of versatile residential units designed for communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates modular design for customizable living spaces tailored to occupants’ needs.
03
Employs a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and space efficiency.
04
Integrates seamlessly with Iceland's rugged topography, minimizing environmental disruption.
05
Features communal areas that promote local craftsmanship and social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview
Located in a cascading mountainous landscape reminiscent of Iceland, the design integrates sustainable living with a profound connection to nature. Inspired by local folklore and the Vegvisir symbol—an ancient Norse navigation aid—the project embodies themes of resilience and environmental stewardship. By applying these cultural references, the design seeks to create a respectful partnership between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The structure employs a modular system that allows for various configurations based on user needs. Each module can serve multiple functions, ranging from private living spaces to communal areas, encouraging interaction among users while reflecting traditional Icelandic community living. The design fosters a collaborative atmosphere, emphasizing individual customization and engagement with the environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Key materials are selected for their sustainability and performance in the harsh Icelandic climate. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is utilized for its structural integrity and eco-friendliness, providing a warm interior ambiance. Areas are strategically designed with glass to maximize natural light, reinforcing the connection with the landscape. Sustainable insulation materials and solar panels further enhance the ecological footprint, promoting energy efficiency and reliance on renewable sources.

In aligning modern architectural practices with cultural narratives and ecological considerations, the design serves as a model for sustainable tourism and community engagement, aiming to enrich the local environment and economy while respecting traditional values.

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
Final registration deadline 23 July 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
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
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
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 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

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
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
Final registration deadline 30 September 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