Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Modular Cabins with Corrugated Metal Panels Designed for Harsh Icelandic Conditions

Authors:
Erin Besler, Ian Besler, Jamie Barron
Modular Cabins with Corrugated Metal Panels Designed for Harsh Icelandic Conditions
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed using lightweight aluminum frames and super insulated corrugated metal panels, these modular cabins are designed to withstand Iceland's extreme weather while providing flexible accommodation for trekkers exploring the rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular design that allows multiple configurations for varying group sizes.
02
Utilizes super insulated corrugated metal panels to enhance energy efficiency and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates polycarbonate sheets for natural light while maintaining structural integrity.
04
Includes prefabricated thermal panels for quick assembly and disassembly in remote locations.
05
Designed to integrate solar energy solutions, reducing dependence on external power sources.

### Project Overview

The Saltbox Iceland Trekking Cabins are strategically designed modular accommodations located in Iceland's diverse and rugged landscape. The initiative addresses both the accommodation needs of outdoor enthusiasts and the environmental considerations dictated by Iceland's unique geography. This modular approach allows for efficient, sustainable, and versatile lodging solutions tailored to trekker requirements.

### Innovative Spatial Configuration

The design leverages a modular strategy with configurations such as the 3 Pack, 4 Pack, Double, and Mirrored Doubles, each designed to support varying group dynamics and spatial needs. The lower level incorporates communal areas—including a kitchen, dining space, and gear storage—to promote social interaction and relaxation after trekking activities. In contrast, the upper level features private sleeping quarters, designed to prioritize comfort and rest, ensuring a balanced experience between community engagement and personal privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The construction employs a deliberate selection of materials aimed at enhancing durability and energy efficiency. An aluminum frame is utilized for its lightweight and robust properties, facilitating ease of transport and assembly. Super insulated corrugated metal panels provide insulation and visual diversity, while polycarbonate sheets allow natural light to penetrate the interiors. Prefabricated thermal panels contribute to a weather-tight envelope, optimizing energy performance. Each cabin can also be equipped with solar panels, further reinforcing the commitment to sustainable building practices within the demanding Icelandic climate.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 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
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
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

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 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
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 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
Final registration deadline 23 September 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
Advance registration deadline 24 September 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