Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Hexagonal Basalt-Inspired Design Showcasing Plywood and Glazed Facades for Community Living

Author:
Daniel Ibrahim
Hexagonal Basalt-Inspired Design Showcasing Plywood and Glazed Facades for Community Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Informed by the natural forms of hexagonal basalt and constructed with plywood and extensive glazing, this community space integrates energy-efficient design principles with viewing platforms for experiencing the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the region's hexagonal basalt formations, the design incorporates angular architectural elements.
02
Constructed with renewable cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability in material use.
03
Extensive glazing allows for optimal natural light and unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
04
Mobile guest units provide flexible accommodation options, adapting to varying visitor needs.
05
Integrated wind turbines contribute to the site's energy sustainability, minimizing reliance on external sources.

### Project Overview
The Northern Lights architectural design is situated in a rural area of Iceland, integrating seamlessly with the dramatic landscape while responding to the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. The design intent focuses on bridging architectural form with the extraordinary visual experience of the Northern Lights, offering functional spaces that enhance the appreciation of the surrounding environment.

### Site Planning and Renewable Energy Integration
The site layout comprises multiple components, including a main building designed for communal activities, a renewable energy generation station featuring wind turbines, and mobile units for transient accommodation. This arrangement maximizes accessibility and visual impact while minimizing ecological footprint. The use of renewable energy sources reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, aligning with contemporary architectural practices that advocate for ecological stewardship.

### Materiality and Spatial Design
The material choices inform both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project. Predominantly, wood serves as the primary structural element and finish, fostering warmth and a tactile connection to the surroundings. Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and provides unobstructed views of the night sky, enhancing the experience of the Aurora. Furthermore, advanced insulation systems, including plywood boarding and various forms of thermal insulation, contribute to energy efficiency, ensuring comfort within the extremes of the Icelandic climate.

The interior spaces are designed to promote interaction and a sense of community, featuring open dining areas with large windows for scenic views, elevated viewing platforms for stargazing, and tranquil guest rooms that encourage a connection to nature. Skylights and expansive glazing strategically enhance the flow of natural light, enabling an intimate relationship between the interior and the exterior landscape.

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