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 Retreat Featuring Communal Hearth and Natural Light Integration

Authors:
Matilde Valagussa, Laura Zura - Puntaroni, Andrea Brambilla, Matteo Losurdo
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Featuring Communal Hearth and Natural Light Integration
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A modular design utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and circular perforations allows for abundant natural light, fostering a warm communal space that serves as a year-round retreat in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features circular perforations that enhance natural light penetration throughout the space.
04
Includes a central communal hearth that serves as a focal point for gatherings.
05
Adapts to varying occupancy needs with a flexible modular layout.

### Project Overview
The architectural project "Soundtrek" is located in Iceland, designed to engage with the surrounding landscape while addressing the region's climatic and aesthetic nuances. The design concept draws inspiration from the northern environment, emphasizing both spatial interaction and sensory engagement with natural phenomena, particularly the aurora borealis.

### Spatial Configuration and Material Selection
The architectural form features a cubic structure with circular perforations that provide both aesthetic appeal and functional advantages, allowing natural light and air to permeate the interior. The layout promotes versatility, facilitating a range of activities from communal gatherings to individual reflection. The interior spaces employ warm wood finishes, reinforcing a sense of comfort and enhancing the user experience in a cold climate. Materials such as cross-laminated timber ensure structural integrity and thermal efficiency, while strategically placed glazing maximizes light entry without compromising insulation.

### Sustainability and Cultural Integration
Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, incorporating energy-efficient solutions such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The architecture reflects responsibility towards environmental impact while maintaining functionality. The design also references traditional Nordic symbols, invoking community values and shared experiences relevant to the local culture. Features such as a central hearth offer comfort and a focal point for social interaction, bridging the gap between modern living and cultural heritage. The adaptable interior can accommodate varying group sizes, enhancing its appeal to diverse users and reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape through strategically framed vistas.

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