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 Roofed Cabins Crafted with Carbon Wood and Natural Stone in Iceland's Scenic Landscape

Author:
Diego Vazquez
Turf Roofed Cabins Crafted with Carbon Wood and Natural Stone in Iceland's Scenic Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Crafted with sustainable turf roofs and carbon wood, the cabins offer a modern interpretation of Icelandic vernacular architecture, providing a tranquil retreat that emphasizes harmony with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced carbon wood to enhance sustainability.
02
Feature turf roofs that provide insulation and blend seamlessly with the landscape.
03
Include large thermal glass windows that maximize natural light and scenic views.
04
Employ Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for improved energy efficiency.
05
Designed to reflect traditional Icelandic architecture while incorporating modern techniques.

The Hverfjall Cabins project is located in the dramatic landscape of Hverfjall, Iceland. It focuses on creating a cohesive living experience that connects visitors to the surrounding natural environment while maintaining sustainability. The architecture reflects both functionality and cultural appreciation, incorporating traditional elements into a modern design approach.

The cabins serve as a refuge, providing spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and engagement with nature. Positioned strategically within the site, the cabins foster a sense of community while preserving privacy through thoughtful spatial arrangement. Each unit offers panoramic views, merging indoor and outdoor experiences while emphasizing the beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the Hverfjall Cabins. The project utilizes local materials, such as turf, carbon wood, and natural stone, which not only reduce environmental impact but also honor the region's architectural heritage. The turf roofs, a nod to Icelandic traditions, are effective insulators and visually blend with the terrain, reinforcing the connection to the natural world. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) enhance energy efficiency, while large thermal glass windows facilitate natural light and warmth.

The unique design approach of the Hverfjall Cabins lies in its integration of traditional and contemporary architecture. The rhythmic forms of the pitched roofs echo vernacular designs while incorporating modern materials like steel profiles for structural support. This interplay between heritage and innovation creates a distinct architectural identity that differentiates the project from conventional cabin designs.

The layout of the Hverfjall Cabins emphasizes interaction among users through communal spaces while ensuring that private cabins retain an intimate atmosphere. The careful arrangement of pathways promotes movement throughout the site, enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging exploration of the surroundings.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Hverfjall Cabins project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to review the project presentation. Delve into the architectural ideas that structure this project and consider how these elements work in concert to create a cohesive, sustainable, and engaging environment.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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