Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elevated Spaces Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Glazed Facades in a Sustainable Community Setting

Author:
Claire Gruber
Elevated Spaces Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Glazed Facades in a Sustainable Community Setting
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Crafted from charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, this facility integrates modular design with sustainable practices, serving as a vibrant community hub in the unique Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates modular guest units elevated on stilts to preserve natural terrain and reduce environmental impact.
03
Features expansive glass facades that maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability in construction.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that optimizes space while enhancing overall visual dynamics.

### Overview
The Orka Energy project is situated in Iceland, where its design integrates seamlessly with the local natural landscape and climate. The project's intent is to foster a relationship between built spaces and the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from the region's geological characteristics and cultural heritage. By establishing a dialogue between architecture and nature, the design encourages occupants to engage with the distinctive beauty of Iceland, including views of the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural concept features a contrasting duality of forms, presenting enclosed and open spaces that facilitate varied user experiences. The central architectural volume adopts a rectangular, box-like shape, which enhances navigability. Distinct sloped roofs guide visual focus upwards, connecting interiors to the expansive sky above. The layout promotes both individual exploration and communal interaction, allowing for flexible transitions between private and shared areas, thereby cultivating a mindful engagement with the landscape.

### Materiality
Material selection is a key aspect of the design, prioritizing local resources that provide durability and align aesthetically with the Icelandic environment.
- **Wood**: Locally sourced wood, treated for durability, creates warmth and blends with the natural surroundings.
- **Concrete**: A robust concrete façade offers insulation and resilience against the climate, merging natural and industrial appearances.
- **Glass**: Extensive glass panels foster transparency and visual continuity with the exterior, enhancing the connection to nature.
- **Steel**: Structural steel components provide strength and a contemporary touch, crucial for withstanding Iceland’s seasonal extremes.

Further, the spatial arrangement includes various guest units positioned on stilts, allowing optimal views of the Northern Lights while enhancing flexibility in configurations for different group sizes. Open floor plans and outdoor terraces enrich the indoor-outdoor relationship, while clearly defined functional zones cater to dining, socializing, and private relaxation.

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