Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Timber-Crafted Haven with Expansive Views and Communal Spaces

Author:
Nicholas Horvath
Timber-Crafted Haven with Expansive Views and Communal Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with cross-laminated timber, the guest house offers expansive views and communal spaces that enhance the experience of the Icelandic landscape while providing a welcoming retreat for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for sustainability.
02
Features large apertures for unobstructed landscape views.
03
Includes communal spaces designed to enhance guest interaction.
04
The low-profile design mimics local geological formations.
05
Incorporates skylights for abundant natural light and connection to the sky.

The Guest House at Vogafjos Farm Resort is located in the picturesque Icelandic landscape, designed to allow visitors to fully engage with the natural surroundings. The building functions as a retreat for those seeking both comfort and connection with nature. The design concept highlights a strong interaction with the environment, offering an inviting space where guests can relax and socialize.

Materiality and Structure

The structure primarily consists of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. This choice of material reflects a focus on sustainability along with an efficient construction process. CLT is lightweight yet strong, making it suitable for the building's needs. The wooden interior brings a warm and inviting feel, enhancing the connection between the indoor spaces and the landscape outside.

Exterior Aesthetics

The low-profile design resembles stone, creating harmony with the surrounding geology. This exterior helps the building blend into its natural setting and speaks to the character of the area. The roof features a subtle pitch, which allows for large windows in the guest rooms, offering beautiful views of the landscape and sky, enhancing the sense of place.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, the layout emphasizes communal areas that encourage guest interaction. These shared spaces, along with a comfortably positioned hot tub, foster a sense of community during stays. Natural light floods the interior through strategically placed windows, creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

A notable detail is the presence of skylights throughout the building. These features not only allow for ample sunlight but also connect guests with the expansive Icelandic sky above. This thoughtful design element contributes to a peaceful environment, inviting visitors to enjoy the serenity of their natural surroundings.

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