Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Glulam Frame and Basalt Integration in a Sustainable Cabin Design

Glulam Frame and Basalt Integration in a Sustainable Cabin Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing a glulam frame and local basalt, the cabin seamlessly merges with its Icelandic landscape, providing an energy-efficient retreat for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced basalt in construction for improved site integration.
02
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to enhance structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features extensive glazing to maximize natural light and landscape views.
04
Employs glulam for efficient framing and sustainability in material choice.
05
Includes a rooftop viewing deck designed for observing natural phenomena.

## Overview
The Twin Peaks cabin is located in the Skíðasvæðið area of Iceland, a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and accessibility. This architectural endeavor integrates sustainable design practices with the surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from traditional Scandinavian forms while emphasizing ecological awareness. The intent is to create a retreat that fosters a strong connection between the indoor environment and the natural surroundings, facilitating an immersive experience for occupants.

## Spatial Organization
The layout of Twin Peaks is structured into distinct functional areas that promote interaction and accessibility. Central to the design is the main room, serving as a hub for activities, which includes an information center and library. A rooftop viewing deck enhances the connection to the outdoors by providing panoramic vistas of the landscape, while a dedicated snow groomer garage ensures year-round usability. The cabin’s design incorporates multiple levels, allowing access from both the ski slope and the main access road, facilitating ease of entry for visitors.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette of Twin Peaks has been carefully selected to enhance sustainability and reflect the local context. Key materials include glued laminated timber (Glulam) for structural components, insulating glass for energy efficiency, and basalt or lava stone, which ties the design to Iceland’s geological heritage. These materials not only contribute to the durability of the cabin in harsh weather but also reinforce its visual and aesthetic connection to the site. Efficient insulation and energy management systems further support the environmental objectives of the project, minimizing its ecological footprint while promoting the use of local resources.

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
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
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

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
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
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

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