Operable roofs and a communal fireplace define the intimate shelters that provide unique spaces for relaxation and social interaction amidst a serene landscape.
Metallic materials reflect the breathtaking landscape of Iceland while enhancing the visual connection to the Hverfjall volcano and northern lights in a guest house designed for community and relaxation.
Constructed with a sturdy stone base and a warm wooden roof, the building merges traditional Icelandic materials to provide thermal comfort and stunning views of Lake Mývatn, serving as a restaurant and guesthouse for a unique lakeside experience.
Concrete interlocking forms create a unique architectural expression that reflects the Icelandic landscape, offering guests a tranquil retreat with direct views of Lake Mývatn and integrated outdoor spaces for relaxation.
An exo-skeleton of in-situ concrete encases a series of guest rooms that prioritize privacy and communal living, situated to maximize views of the Icelandic landscape while offering a dynamic connection to shared spaces such as a kitchen and hot tub.
An underground tensioned structure complements the natural topography of the Mývatn region, providing a community-oriented guest house that prioritizes ecological sensitivity and local vegetation preservation.
With a central tube courtyard and adaptable timber louvers for privacy, the cabin offers couples a tranquil retreat that seamlessly connects them to the surrounding forest environment.
Incorporating sustainable rainwater harvesting and triple-glazed windows within its timber frame, the cabin offers a serene space for relaxation in the countryside.
Constructed with reclaimed brick, the cabins integrate seamlessly into the landscape, offering a serene environment that accommodates wine tasting and relaxation within a vineyard setting.
Constructed with charred cladding and recycled timber, the cabin offers a thoughtful retreat that integrates sustainable living with a deep connection to the surrounding New Zealand landscape.
A hot tub nestled under a tree complements a cabin constructed from wood and glass, designed to provide a comfortable retreat for experiencing the Aurora Borealis.
Crafted with flowing concrete forms and expansive glazing, the guest house integrates seamlessly into its birch forest setting, providing visitors with a tranquil retreat that highlights the surrounding volcanic landscape.
João Arnas,Susanna Brolhani,Ale Montani,Karina Scussiato pimentel
Constructed from local rocks and expansive glass, the Guest House offers a unique retreat in Iceland, seamlessly blending communal and private spaces while providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Aurora Borealis.
Nestled beneath a turf roof and framed with local volcanic rock, the design captures the essence of Mývatn's landscape while providing a unique retreat for observing the Northern Lights.
With staggered bedrooms designed for optimal views of the northern lights and a charred timber exterior that blends durability with aesthetic appeal, the building serves as a modern retreat focused on both connection to nature and communal living.
With its round shape and ample glass surfaces, the cabin integrates seamlessly into the natural environment, offering panoramic views while serving as a comfortable retreat for relaxation and social gathering.
Elevated platforms enhance views and reduce environmental impact in a compact cabin designed for couples seeking an intimate retreat complete with a hot tub.
Constructed from 3D printed concrete and framed with red glazing, the visitor centre and café at Hverfjall offers a unique educational space while providing stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Perforated roofs designed for stargazing complement the turf and timber cabins set against Iceland's rugged landscape, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and nature.
Constructed with locally sourced materials and integrated ecological water ponds, the retreat offers a wellness-focused environment that fosters connection to both nature and local wine-making traditions.
Constructed with plywood panels and strategically designed lightwells, these cabins utilize stone foundations to create versatile spaces for wellness and meditation.
Constructed using woven palm leaves and local materials, the visitor center integrates with the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, providing educational spaces that foster a connection between visitors and the surrounding ecosystem.
An enclosed observation area with all-round visibility allows visitors to engage deeply with the surrounding landscape while a series of designed balconies promotes social interaction and solitude, functioning as an urban lookout point.
The proposal explores retreat spaces designed for quiet reflection and meditation. The study focuses on creating a calm environment that fosters a connection to nature while supporting both individual and group activities.
Located within a forested area near Gozjā “Little Lake” in Latvia, the proposal examines how small-scale architecture can support retreat and observation in a natural setting. The study considers the relationship between built forms, landscape, and light, focusing on spaces for rest, reflection, and communal gathering.
Henrique Giovani Canan,Maria Fernanda Del Giovannino De Oliveira,Lia Balassiano Strosberg,Gabriela Tiely Barros Giotoku
The design uses terraced landscapes to connect with the surrounding olive groves, creating a peaceful guest retreat that balances sustainability, community interaction, and everyday comfort.
The integration of nine modular wooden boxes forms a serene inner dome that offers a versatile reading space, balancing private retreat with community interaction.
Use architecture to create different emotional states
Edition #9ideas COMPETITIONSILENT 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
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
Use architecture to create different emotional states
Edition #9ideas COMPETITIONSILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Only participants selected and invited by Buildner can enter these closed competitions. To be considered for future opportunities, please set up your account on Architects' Network Plus.