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 Structure Embracing Seasonal Views and Natural Integration

Author:
Roger Landivar
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Embracing Seasonal Views and Natural Integration
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The structure's cross-laminated timber design allows for expansive seasonal views while integrating a green roof for rainwater collection, effectively serving as a sustainable restaurant in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Expansive glass facades allow for uninterrupted views of the Icelandic landscape.
03
The green roof supports local biodiversity and facilitates rainwater collection.
04
A multipurpose upper floor offers adaptability for various community activities.
05
Seasonal openings in the facade enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity during pleasant weather.

The Green House Restaurant stands out in the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, where volcanic terrain meets calm lakes. It serves a dual purpose: providing fresh food and a unique dining experience. The design emphasizes a close relationship with nature, highlighting sustainability and connection. Guests can feel engaged with their surroundings, enhancing their overall experience.

Design Concept and Space Organization

The layout consists of three main areas. The Green House focuses on food production and dining. The Kitchen and Service Areas are dedicated to operational tasks. Finally, the Multipurpose Space on the upper floor provides additional flexibility. This organization not only improves the flow of activities but also invites guests to explore and interact with the culinary aspects of their visit.

Materiality and Aesthetic Choices

Large glass facades wrap around the building, offering uninterrupted views of the beautiful scenery. These facades add to the overall look of the restaurant. They also allow parts of the building to open during different seasons, letting in fresh air and light. This feature strengthens the connection between the indoor dining space and the outdoor environment, regardless of the weather.

Functionality and Flexibility

The ground floor has a mix of spaces. Areas for the greenhouse, guest reception, bar, and dining are all thoughtfully organized for ease of use. The upper floor contains a multipurpose space connected by a striking staircase and a panoramic elevator. This area can be divided with sliding panels, allowing the space to be adapted for various activities. It can serve as a yoga studio or a place for film screenings, enhancing the restaurant's usability.

Sustainable Integration

Materials such as wood are used for flooring and panels, adding warmth to the interior. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is important for the structure of the second floor and supports sustainability goals. The green roof collects rainwater and promotes local plant life. Attention to these details showcases a commitment to sustainability, creating a connection between the restaurant and its natural setting.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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