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 Roofs and Reinforced Concrete Harmonize with Icelandic Landscapes in Eco-Friendly Visitor Destination

Authors:
Bryan Wong, Yi Zheng Chan
Turf Roofs and Reinforced Concrete Harmonize with Icelandic Landscapes in Eco-Friendly Visitor Destination
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With turf roofs that seamlessly blend into the landscape and reinforced concrete structures carefully situated to minimize environmental impact, the design offers a unique visitor destination that invites exploration and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs are designed to absorb rainwater and provide natural insulation.
02
Reinforced concrete structures are positioned to blend with the existing topography.
03
Large glass panels offer unobstructed views while enhancing energy efficiency.
04
The use of cantilevered elements minimizes land disturbance in sensitive areas.
05
Local materials and traditional construction methods reflect Icelandic heritage.

The "Fragments" architectural project, located near Reykjanes, Iceland, is an exploration of the relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape. This design integrates various functions to cater to visitors, emphasizing interaction with the unique geological features of the region. The project aims to create spaces that encourage exploration and reflection while respecting the surrounding environment.

The primary components of the project include a visitor center, individual cabins, and elevated walkways. The visitor center serves as the central hub, providing areas for exhibitions, dining, and social interaction. The design incorporates an open layout with large glass windows, allowing ample natural light and fostering a direct connection to the landscape outside. The cabins are strategically located to offer privacy and intimate experiences with nature, featuring views that frame Iceland's dramatic scenery. Elevated walkways guide visitors through the site, minimizing ground disturbance and creating a journey through the diverse topography.

The use of natural materials is a fundamental aspect of the design, with a focus on durability and environmental harmony. Reinforced concrete provides the necessary structural integrity, while the incorporation of steel framing allows for architectural flexibility. Turf roofs echo traditional Icelandic building techniques, enhancing insulation and supporting local biodiversity. Wood finishes introduce warmth to the interiors, creating inviting spaces that contrast the rugged exterior.

The project distinguishes itself through its unique approach to context and integration. By embedding itself within the landscape, "Fragments" emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental sensitivity. The careful consideration of site-specific conditions, including the preservation of existing terrain and natural drainage systems, speaks to a commitment to responsible architecture. Furthermore, the design facilitates a multi-sensory experience, where the interplay of light, materials, and views engages visitors and promotes a deeper connection with the environment.

The architectural plans demonstrate a meticulous approach to spatial organization, while architectural sections reveal the interaction between various elements of the design. The architectural ideas employed in "Fragments" reflect a balance between functionality and aesthetic coherence, paving the way for a project that resonates with both visitors and the landscape it inhabits.

For those interested in learning more about this project, a detailed exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the innovative solutions and design philosophies integral to "Fragments.” Dive deeper into the architectural narrative and discover how this project exemplifies contemporary practices in sustainable architecture.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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 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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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
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
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 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