Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Mobile Guest Rooms Featuring Reclaimed Wood and Sheep Wool Insulation for Northern Lights Retreat

Author:
Emily Geigle
Mobile Guest Rooms Featuring Reclaimed Wood and Sheep Wool Insulation for Northern Lights Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Mobile guest rooms constructed with reclaimed wood and insulated with sheep wool offer a sustainable accommodation experience that emphasizes views of the Northern Lights near Lake Mývatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile units allow customization of views for each guest.
02
Utilizes sheep wool for insulation, enhancing thermal performance.
03
Geothermal energy systems support all heating and electricity needs.
04
Reclaimed wood materials reduce environmental impact in construction.
05
Educational resources on wildlife and Northern Lights enhance visitor experience.

### Project Overview
Kanna encompasses a series of mobile guest rooms and a comprehensive resort located near Lake Mývatn, Iceland, designed to enhance visitors' experiences of the Northern Lights. The project aligns closely with its natural surroundings, utilizing the unique geographical features of the area to inform the architectural layout and intent. The name "Kanna," meaning "to explore" in Icelandic, reflects the emphasis on creating immersive experiences that connect guests with the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of Kanna is strategically oriented to optimize views of the auroras. Mobile guest rooms are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing them to adapt according to guests’ preferences for scenic visibility. This approach not only maintains visual connections to the lake and sky but also facilitates a flexible use of space, ensuring that each visitor can personalize their experience while remaining attuned to the natural environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The architectural design prioritizes the use of local and sustainable materials, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. Pine wood is selected for its lightweight and aesthetic qualities, while reclaimed wood is integrated within interior spaces to promote sustainability. Sheep wool serves as insulation, providing enhanced thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Buildings are powered by geothermal energy, harnessing the region's natural resources for heating and electricity. An innovative water management system that collects rainwater for reuse further underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability. The combination of these elements not only addresses functional needs but also contributes to a broader ecological ethos within the design framework.

The design incorporates large windows in the mobile guest rooms, facilitating unobstructed views of the Northern Lights and enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. The resort includes a social hub featuring a dining hall, outdoor terrace, and educational resources on local wildlife and phenomena, encouraging guest engagement with the natural surroundings.

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