Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Wood Fiber Insulation and Historical Preservation in a Green Retreat

Authors:
Nathalie Van Wees, Robin Koelmans
Wood Fiber Insulation and Historical Preservation in a Green Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating wood fiber insulation and historical preservation techniques, the retreat enhances its natural surroundings while offering spaces for artistic expression and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wood fiber insulation to enhance thermal performance.
02
Utilizes existing chimneys for ventilation and solar airflow.
03
Retains and reprints original wallpaper patterns for historical authenticity.
04
Artist studios are designed to maximize natural light from the north.
05
Includes a greenhouse and landscaped walking paths for outdoor engagement.

The New Omulí project is situated in the North Vidzem Biosphere Reserve, an area recognized for its natural beauty. The building serves diverse functions, catering to tourists, artists, and long-term guests. The overall design aims to connect the constructed spaces with the surrounding environment while preserving key historical aspects of the site.

Historical Preservation

A significant focus of the design is to safeguard the historic features of the building. This involves careful renovation strategies that ensure the original character remains intact. By keeping existing structures, the design honors the history of Omulí, allowing visitors to experience a strong sense of place.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an essential goal for the project, reflecting current ecological responsibilities. The design incorporates existing elements to reduce environmental impact and includes features such as reused chimneys for ventilation. Solar chimneys, painted black to enhance airflow, adopt modern energy-saving practices.

Material Choices

The materials selected for the renovation enhance both sustainability and aesthetic quality. Wood fiber insulation is used to improve energy efficiency, offering better thermal performance. Additionally, the existing wallpaper patterns are preserved and reprinted, blending historical authenticity with contemporary updates.

Spatial Organization

The layout strategically balances public and private spaces. This structure encourages interaction among guests while providing areas for quiet reflection. Artist studios are located on the northern side, allowing ample natural light. A central communal area serves as a gathering space, enhancing engagement within the building.

The design includes outdoor features such as a greenhouse and landscaped walking paths. These elements reinforce the connection between the building and its natural surroundings, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the environment throughout their stay.

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