Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reflective Glass and Local Stone in a Geometric Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Martina Ferretti, Silvia Craviari, Francesca Canali
Reflective Glass and Local Stone in a Geometric Wellness Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Reflective glass facades and local stone define a geometric wellness retreat that seamlessly integrates with the Icelandic landscape, offering guests a tranquil space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass creates a mirror effect, allowing the building to blend into its surroundings.
02
Common areas are designed at a partly underground level for enhanced intimacy.
03
Large windows optimize views of the aurora borealis from guest rooms.
04
The use of local stone adds cultural relevance and tactile warmth to interior spaces.
05
Private thermal areas allow guests to relax in nature, enhancing the wellness experience.

The design is situated in a beautiful part of Iceland, surrounded by nature. It serves as a guesthouse where people can relax and enjoy their time away from daily life. The concept focuses on simple geometric shapes, resulting in a structure characterized by clean lines that respect the natural landscape and fit in well with its environment.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the building is arranged horizontally, which reflects traditional guesthouses found in the area. This choice reinforces the connection to the local context and helps create a smooth connection between the interior and the outdoors. Large windows on the east side and a glass roof maximize natural light and highlight stunning views, allowing guests to appreciate the remarkable landscape surrounding them.

Material Considerations

The materials chosen for the design help to connect the building with its setting. Wooden cladding covers the external walls, which adds warmth and texture. Inside, local stone is used, creating a pleasing contrast with the wood and enhancing the overall atmosphere. This careful selection supports a feeling of comfort and connection to the natural environment.

Public and Private Spaces

Inside the structure, public and private spaces are well-defined, promoting interaction among guests while providing areas for solitude. Common areas are partially below ground level, which gives a cozy and intimate feeling. Thoughtfully placed windows allow daylight to fill these spaces, making them pleasant for gatherings and relaxation while creating a calm environment.

Design Details

Guest rooms are strategically placed to take advantage of the beautiful views. Private outdoor thermal areas allow guests to enjoy a quiet moment in nature, adding to the overall experience of the retreat. In front of the underground common spaces, a courtyard has been created, providing a lively area that contrasts with the peaceful thermal tubs and enhances the ability to move between shared and private spaces.

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