Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Repurposed Shipping Containers Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions for Sustainable Trekking Lodging

Author:
Christine Wagner
Repurposed Shipping Containers Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions for Sustainable Trekking Lodging
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing repurposed shipping containers, the design integrates wind energy systems and compost toilets to create sustainable accommodations for trekking enthusiasts in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed shipping containers to minimize environmental impact.
02
Integrates wind turbines for renewable energy use on-site.
03
Employs compost toilets for sustainable waste management.
04
Features modular construction for flexibility in site placement.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape and terrain.

### Project Overview
The "TRAVELLERS" project involves the development of a series of trekking cabins tailored for the conditions faced by hikers and backpackers in Iceland. Designed to meet the increasing demand for sustainable lodging in remote natural settings, the initiative prioritizes ecological considerations while integrating accommodation solutions within the landscape. The project features three types of cabins—bivouacs, shelters, and resorts—to cater to varying group sizes and requirements.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout
The cabins are organized to optimize spatial efficiency and user experience. Bivouac cabins are designed to accommodate up to four occupants, featuring essential sleeping and sanitation facilities in a compact format. The shelters, which offer more extensive amenities for cooking and recreation, are suited for groups of up to six individuals, while resorts provide the most comprehensive accommodations for larger groups, including private rooms and communal areas. Such layouts encourage social interaction and communal living while remaining aligned with the natural terrain of Iceland, effectively minimizing environmental impact.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A key aspect of the design is the utilization of repurposed shipping containers as the primary building material, which significantly reduces construction waste and ecological footprint. The inclusion of cold water reservoirs, renewable energy systems such as wind generators, and sustainable wood for interior finishes exemplifies a commitment to resource efficiency. Additionally, the cabins feature natural waste management solutions, such as compost toilets, and energy-efficient appliances that support low-impact living. This modular approach enables easy assembly and disassembly, enhancing the adaptability of the cabins to their remote settings while preserving the surrounding 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