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 Shelter with Geothermal Heating in the Icelandic Landscape

Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter with Geothermal Heating in the Icelandic Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing cross-laminated timber and geothermal systems, this shelter minimizes its ecological footprint while providing a functional retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for rapid construction and structural stability.
02
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to enhance snow management and aerodynamics.
03
Features extensive glazing to optimize natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Includes geothermal heating to achieve energy efficiency in extreme climates.
05
Integrates a greenhouse terrace that extends outdoor usability throughout the year.

## Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the "Ice Bound" structure addresses the challenges posed by the region's extreme climate through a design that melds traditional Nordic cabin aesthetics with bioclimatic principles. The intent is to create a sustainable retreat that prioritizes comfort, natural light, and thermal efficiency, while also harmonizing with the striking Icelandic landscape.

## Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The layout is organized into three interconnected structures linked by a central pathway, optimizing solar orientation. The first floor provides essential amenities such as equipment check-in areas, restrooms, and parking for snowmobiles, along with a workshop space for various outdoor activities. Communal areas, including a spacious living room and kitchen, are situated on the second floor to enhance social interaction among visitors. A greenhouse terrace further promotes outdoor connectivity, extending usable space and offering panoramic views of the surrounding environment.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's durability and environmental integration. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural component, providing strength along with expedited assembly processes. Extensive glazing is employed to maximize daylight and views while functioning as a thermal barrier. Steel elements are incorporated to enhance structural integrity and facilitate efficient construction methods. The selection of materials reflects a balance between traditional techniques and contemporary innovations, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and ecological compatibility inherent in the design philosophy.

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