Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Curvilinear Design Featuring Laminated Timber and Expansive Glass Spaces in a Spa and Community Retreat

Curvilinear Design Featuring Laminated Timber and Expansive Glass Spaces in a Spa and Community Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The curvilinear form, crafted from laminated timber and extensive glass, seamlessly integrates with the landscape to create a spa and community retreat focused on wellness and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates expansive glass elements to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.
02
Laminated timber construction supports the curvilinear form, enhancing structural integrity and aesthetics.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinctive weathering quality while improving durability.
04
Light wells are integrated to create dynamic interior lighting and enhance the spatial experience.
05
A unique beer tasting area is included, blending social and wellness functions within the retreat.

## Overview
"Ethereal" is a spa and social facility located in Iceland, designed to provide a unique experience that balances relaxation with community engagement. The project responds to its scenic environment, emphasizing a connection to nature while incorporating a comprehensive range of spa and recreational amenities intended for both casual visitors and dedicated guests.

## Spatial Configuration
The design employs an open floor plan across two levels, facilitating fluid movement and interaction among users. The ground floor includes essential services such as a café, spa reception, and treatment rooms, while the upper floor features relaxation areas and specialized beer tasting rooms. The inclusion of natural light via strategically placed windows enhances the ambiance, inviting a deeper connection to the outdoor landscape.

The layout is characterized by organic shapes, promoting a soft, welcoming atmosphere suitable for a spa environment. This configuration encourages social interaction in areas such as the spa lounge and communal spaces, fostering a sense of community among users. Features like light wells improve vertical connectivity and aesthetic continuity, further enriching the spatial experience.

## Material Selection
Materials have been carefully chosen to support the project's intent and environmental considerations. Laminated timber contributes warmth and softness, essential for creating a calming atmosphere. Concrete surfaces provide durability and contrast, while expansive glass windows ensure ample natural light and maintain visual links to the surroundings. Specific areas, particularly wet spaces, utilize tiles for practical hygiene, and insulation materials are incorporated to ensure thermal comfort in Iceland's variable climate.

The integration of these materials contributes to a cohesive sensory experience, balancing tranquil and invigorating elements that enhance the overall user experience. The design reflects a commitment to both functionality and aesthetic harmony with the natural context.

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