top of page

SCANDINAVIAN ESCAPE & FLOATING SAUNA

Scandinavia's fjords were carved by glaciers over millions of years, resulting in these iconic landscapes with steep cliffs and deep waterways. Nærøyfjord is one of Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognised for their outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance - the place that inspired the cinematic creation of Frozen's Arendelle.


We have designed these competition briefs to take advantage of this dramatic landscape and encourage you to be creative in your designs and develop new, pioneering architectural concepts within this incredible, natural site.


All proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear architectural response to the brief, considering a high level of sustainability and wildlife conservation with a minimal impact structure that has a light touch within the landscape while benefiting the ecology of the area. As demonstrated by the surrounding ancient settlements, humans once lived in harmony with their surroundings, benefitting from the earth without destroying it.


This is a step towards shaping the future of architecture. 


Are you up to the challenge?

gallery

GALLERY

FJORDS COMPETITION BRIEFS

All Fjords Competitions are included in a single payment.
You can choose to take part in any or all of these competitions.

EMPORDA VILLAGE 1.jpg

Fjords Hidden Garden Escape

Design a hidden, off-grid escape and wellness retreat along the sloped bank of the Nærøyfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, centred around a bountiful kitchen garden.


Test your design abilities and elevate your portfolio as you embark on an architectural journey like no other. Introducing our extraordinary competition – a proposal to imagine a haven of solace amidst the awe-inspiring embrace of the fjords. Picture an oasis of serenity, hidden away from the world, where visitors discover respite, gain the vital tools to conquer life's challenges and reconnect with the nature around them.


Choose your own subject topic.

The escape should be designed specifically for a targeted group of users of your choice. This could be a supportive and safe learning environment for new parents to connect with their babies, a rehabilitation centre for those struggling with physical issues or a supportive care environment for those suffering from dementia or grief. The possibilities are endless.


As architects, your task is to conceive a fully sustainable, environmentally conscious holistic retreat that merges seamless seclusion with nurturing support and takes precedent from the nearby Viking Village. A bountiful kitchen garden should form the heart of your design, flourishing amidst the fjords’ grandeur, nurturing both body and soul. This is where food therapy and aromatherapy intertwine, where architectural brilliance meets transformative rejuvenation. Dare to conceive a world that takes design beyond what the eye can see - the safety and comfort of a hidden sanctuary for those in need.


Design with purpose.

1st Prize

  • £1,000 in GBP

  • Free 1-year subscription to Larsen UNLIMITED (worth £199)

  • Certificate of Achievement


2nd Prize

  • £300 in GBP

  • Free 1-year subscription to Larsen UNLIMITED (worth £199)

  • Certificate of Achievement


3rd Prize

  • £100 in GBP

  • Free 1-year subscription to Larsen UNLIMITED (worth £199)

  • Certificate of Achievement

Public Favourite

  • Free 1-year subscription to Larsen UNLIMITED (worth £199)

  • Certificate of Achievement


Honourable Mentions

  • Free 1-year subscription to Larsen UNLIMITED (worth £199)

  • Certificate of Achievement


All entries will be published and promoted across our global platforms.

briefs & awards

DOWNLOAD FULL BRIEFS

If you are interested in taking part in, or using any of our open or closed competitions, you can download the full competition briefs using the link below.

Login required.

site location

CALENDAR & FEES

All Fjords Competitions are included in a single payment.
You can choose to take part in any or all of these competitions.

Fjords Hidden Garden Escape
calendar & fees

SUBMISSION

Submission Deadline 28th October 2024
Winners Announced 24th February 2025

Submission requirements:

 

Please download the brief from this page (login required)

To submit your design:

 

Click the link: www.larsenliverpool.com/submit and log in to your Larsen Liverpool Account.

Fill in the form and upload your design board and project description

Upload a title/cover image for your competition design (optional)

Select one of the optional extras to complete your competition experience.

 

If there are any issues or you have any questions, please contact us at info@larsenliverpool.com.

Language – English

Would you like feedback on your submission?

submission

SUPPORT

As a student or young professional, you have the opportunity to speak with us one-to-one and benefit from the expertise and guidance of experienced architects, designers, and professionals at Larsen Architecture.

  • Why should I join a Larsen Architecture competition?
    We want to celebrate every piece of work that is submitted to a competition. More often than not, we see online design and architecture competitions celebrating the winners and runners-up, and entirely forgetting about all the other competition participants, who have spent hours, days, or even weeks working on their submissions. Our competitions are designed with sustainability and creativity in mind, and will challenge you to think outside of the box. Are you ready to push yourself to the next level? Join UNLIMITED Competitions and receive lifetime access to all present and future competitions, awards, site analyses, and much more.
  • How do I take part in a Competition?
    In order to take part in our Competitions, follow these instructions: 1. Take a look and select your favourite competition site 2. Add it to the basket 3. Complete the checkout process 4. Write down your order number, you will need it in order to submit your entry! Note that each competition site can have more than one competition in it. When you purchase a competition site, you can choose to take part in any, or all, of the competitions available within that site.
  • Why should I take part in an architecture/design competition?
    Architecture and design competitions are designed to challenge your critical thinking and creative skills. Both students and professionals are advised to join competitions in order to improve your portfolio and your chances to get your ideal job. Larsen Liverpool host a wide range of competitions, challenges, and awards which allow you to showcase your talents in a wide range of areas such as architecture, photography, fashion, design, media, animation, and much more. For more information on our current and past competitions, visit our competitions page.
  • How do I submit a competition entry?
    If you have taken part in one of our Competitions, Awards or Challenges and you wish to submit your entry or design, follow these instructions: Head over to our dedicated Submissions Page You will be asked to either LOG IN or SIGN UP as a member before you can submit Add the details of your entry submission and upload your files. Agree to the Terms and Conditions & click the Submit button Your submission has now been sent to us and will be reviewed after the competition's deadline.
  • What makes Larsen Architecture different?
    We have a passion for architecture and design and we believe that up and coming creatives do not get the recognition they deserve. Our global platform is meant to celebrate architecture, design and any other creative background, instead of just celebrating competition winners. We appreciate how much work is behind each competition entry and we want to encourage you to keep creating. You are the present and the future of architecture, challenge yourself, showcase your work, and show us what you are capable of.
  • Submit your competition entry.
    Click here to CREATE AN ACCOUNT & SUBMIT AN ENTRY
  • How many people can be in a group to enter a competition?
    We recommend no more than three people per group as we have seen that this produces the best results. However, this is entirely up to you. We ask that each person creates an account on our website, individually, as we then have multiple points of contact, if needed. It also does not matter which member of your group submits your proposal as you will be asked to give us your unique order number (eg. 10245) that you receive when your group registers for the competition.
  • Why should I subscribe to Larsen UNLIMITED?
    There are many reasons why you should take part in our lifetime UNLIMITED Competitions membership. For one single payment you will receive access to all open and future competitions and awards, free site analyses, certificates of participation, PLUS one expert project review & feedback video call. You heard right, forever. Ready to get started?
  • What subscriptions do you offer?
    We offer two types of subscriptions: 1. Our architectural competition subscription Larsen UNLIMITED will give you unlimited access to our competitions, awards, certificates of participation and much much more. (Larsen UNLIMITED is included for free in our Executive service subscription) 2. The service subscriptions Starter, Creative, and Executive give you access to our CV, Portfolio & Careers services to help kickstart your professional profile. NOTE: Our Executive Careers Subscription includes Larsen UNLIMITED for free!
bottom of page