Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sloping Roofs and Sustainable Wood Create an Eco-Friendly Ski Retreat in Iceland

Sloping Roofs and Sustainable Wood Create an Eco-Friendly Ski Retreat in Iceland
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with a sloping roof and sustainable timber materials, the cabin seamlessly blends into its Icelandic landscape, offering an inviting retreat for skiers amid the rugged mountains.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cross-laminated timber for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for increased durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize wind resistance and snow shedding.
04
Large south-facing windows provide passive solar heating while framing landscape views.
05
Includes a multifunctional outdoor viewing deck designed to engage with the surrounding environment.

### Overview
The ski snow cabin is located in Iceland, designed to harmonize with the region's natural environment while providing functional spaces for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. The architectural approach considers the geographical context, climatic conditions, and cultural heritage of the area, resulting in a structure that is practical and environmentally responsive.

### Spatial Strategy
The cabin's design reflects a careful consideration of both communal and individual needs, optimizing layout for comfort and functionality. A spacious living area serves as the central hub, encouraging social interaction among guests, while strategically placed changing rooms offer direct access to ski equipment storage for ease of use. Resting areas provide panoramic views and are highlighted by a central fireplace, creating a warm atmosphere in contrast to the surrounding cold. The layout also benefits from solar orientation, featuring large south-facing windows that facilitate passive solar heating during winter.

### Material Considerations
Materials selected for the cabin emphasize sustainability and integration with the local environment. Large glass windows enhance natural light and connection to the surrounding landscape, while wood elements create a tactile warmth consistent with Iceland's natural aesthetics. Steel serves as the structural framework, ensuring durability against extreme weather, and copper roofing offers both visual texture and longevity. Ceramic tiles are incorporated for thermal mass, contributing to an efficient indoor climate. The material palette has been consciously chosen to resonate with Iceland’s rugged topography and climatic demands.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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

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

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