Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Turf-Covered Structures Merging Reinforced Concrete and Community Interaction in Icelandic Landscape

Turf-Covered Structures Merging Reinforced Concrete and Community Interaction in Icelandic Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with turf-covered roofs and reinforced concrete, the community hub harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape, serving as a focal point for local interaction and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with turf-covered roofs that integrate seamlessly into the landscape.
02
Incorporates reinforced concrete for durability against Iceland's harsh weather.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design maximizing interior space and aesthetics.
04
Includes a dedicated "green lounge" for community gardening and sustainability education.
05
Utilizes natural wood finishes to promote warmth and connect with traditional building methods.

### Overview
The project is a community hub situated in the rural landscape surrounding Lake Myvatn in Iceland. Designed to facilitate community interaction while respecting the natural environment, it encompasses a multifunctional space that includes a community center, greenhouses, resource storage, and management facilities. The architectural intention is to create a cohesive environment that integrates the built form with the local landscape.

### Site Layout and Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization consists of strategically placed buildings that form an interconnected community space. The layout adopts a staggered arrangement, reminiscent of traditional farm patterns, which supports both accessibility and views of the lake. This configuration emphasizes community-oriented interaction while preserving the identity of each individual structure, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to durability, warmth, and integration with local building traditions. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity suitable for the region's weather, while timber in roofing and interiors emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere. Turf is utilized to improve insulation and visually integrate the buildings into the landscape, honoring local construction methods. Extensive use of glass allows for natural light, enhancing the connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding scenery. Notably, the incorporation of greenhouse facilities offers residents a year-round planting area, fostering engagement and promoting sustainable practices. Automated thermal control systems further enhance energy efficiency, supporting optimal growing conditions with minimal energy consumption. Prefabricated modular elements were also employed, facilitating quicker on-site assembly and reducing environmental impact.

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