Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Dynamic Roof Structure Crafted from Steel and Insulation for a Northern Icelandic Tourist Hut

Dynamic Roof Structure Crafted from Steel and Insulation for a Northern Icelandic Tourist Hut
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The dynamic steel roof, designed to resemble flames, integrates advanced insulation and reinforced concrete to provide a sustainable and functional tourist hut for outdoor enthusiasts amid the volcanic landscapes of Northern Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic roof design mimics flames for snow shedding.
02
Constructed with reinforced concrete for durability in extreme weather.
03
Ground-source heat pump utilized for energy-efficient heating.
04
Multi-tiered layout promotes visitor interaction and functionality.
05
Panoramic viewing platforms enhance the connection to the landscape.

### Project Overview

Located in the Viki volcano area of Northern Iceland, the tourist hut "A Song of Ice and Fire" is positioned near an established ski resort, addressing the growing demand for visitor services in the region. The facility provides accommodations and equipment repairs for tourists while integrating with the surrounding natural environment.

### Spatial Organization

The interior layout of the hut is designed to accommodate a broad range of visitor activities over two distinct floors. The first floor serves as a central hub, featuring a lobby and service area for social interaction, along with a maintenance and equipment store for skier convenience. Additionally, restroom and changing facilities are included to support outdoor enthusiasts.

On the second floor, the dining room and restaurant offer panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape, enhancing the dining experience. Roof landings and viewing platforms provide further opportunities for visitors to engage with the scenic beauty surrounding the structure. This organization prioritizes accessibility through multiple entry points, ensuring ease of movement for skiers and hikers.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for the hut balances functionality with aesthetic consideration. The primary structure is composed of reinforced concrete, ensuring strength and durability in heavy snow and ice conditions. Steel is utilized for the roof framework, providing resilience and flexibility.

Insulating walls are strategically designed to optimize heat retention, accommodating the area's extreme climate while contributing to overall energy efficiency. A ground-source heat pump is incorporated to enhance sustainable heating solutions, aligning with the project's environmental goals. Interior wood finishes add warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

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

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 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
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 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
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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