Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Ice-Inspired Structure Featuring Glulam Beams and Aluminum Cladding Serving as Brewery and Café

Ice-Inspired Structure Featuring Glulam Beams and Aluminum Cladding Serving as Brewery and Café
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
An angular, ice-inspired form constructed with glulam beams and aluminum cladding creates a multifunctional space that houses a brewery and café, seamlessly integrating into the breathtaking landscape of northeast Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
An ice-inspired design evokes the landscape's geology, integrating seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
02
Glulam beams allow for expansive interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity across varying weather conditions.
03
Aluminum cladding reflects light, mimicking the visual qualities of ice while providing low maintenance.
04
Large glass panels maximize natural light and showcase panoramic views of the Icelandic terrain.
05
The layout fosters a multi-functional environment, combining spaces for brewing, dining, and relaxation.

### Project Overview
Located in northeast Iceland, near the Myvatn area, Falling Icecube integrates with the natural landscape while providing a multifunctional space that includes a brewery, café, and lodging. The intent is to enhance visitor experiences through a connection to the surrounding environment, promoting social interaction and cultural engagement.

### Spatial Dynamics and Functionality
The layout is designed with a clear distinction between public and private areas. The ground floor encompasses the main communal spaces, including the brewery and café, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere. The first floor houses more intimate spaces such as treatment and relaxation rooms, enhanced by panoramic windows that frame expansive views of the landscape. The angular geometry of the building creates a dynamic visual appeal, echoing the theme of ice while maximizing spatial efficiency.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Materials were chosen to reflect the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape and to support sustainable practices. Birch timber serves as the primary construction material, offering durability and warmth, while white aluminum cladding provides a low-maintenance exterior that visually resonates with the snowy environment. Strategic use of glass allows natural light penetration, reinforcing the connection between the interior and the exterior landscape. Concrete elements ensure stability and resilience against harsh weather conditions, completing the structure's sustainable profile.

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

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
new
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 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
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 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