Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Curved Forms Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone for Sustainable Winter Retreat

Curved Forms Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone for Sustainable Winter Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Enveloped in charred wooden shingles and designed with curved forms that harmonize with the Icelandic landscape, the cabins provide a functional retreat for visitors seeking comfort amidst extreme weather conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone, the cabins blend seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape.
02
Each cabin features a curved design that reduces wind resistance and enhances thermal comfort.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance while creating an organic aesthetic.
04
Integrated photovoltaic glass contributes to energy efficiency without compromising natural light.
05
Common social spaces within the design foster interaction and community among visitors.

### Project Overview

The Stone Cabins project is situated in the snow-covered landscapes of Iceland, designed to enhance the experience of living and relaxation in an extreme climate. The objective is to merge functional living spaces with a deep respect for the natural environment and cultural heritage, emphasizing sustainability and contextual harmony.

### Spatial Layout and User Engagement

The spatial design prioritizes functionality and user experience within the ski cabins. Key areas include a self-service area for communal food storage and preparation, a relaxation zone featuring seating that fosters social interaction, and an information box that serves as a safety and convenience hub for visitors. The layout promotes a smooth transition between entrance, communal, and private spaces, ensuring that both social and individual needs are adequately met. Additionally, an auxiliary garage for snow grooming equipment contextualizes the structures within their rugged setting, further grounding the design in practical considerations.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the architectural aesthetics. Local stone provides both visual appeal and thermal mass, improving energy efficiency. Wood elements offer warmth and organic texture, contrasting with the stone's sturdiness. Transparent glazing optimizes natural light and panoramic views, while photovoltaic glass on select facades contributes to energy self-sufficiency. The integration of these materials facilitates low environmental impact and promotes the cabins' energy-efficient design, aligning with the overarching goal of environmental harmony and functionality.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 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
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 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
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 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
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 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