top of page

WINNERS
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER OF ICELAND
KÁRSNES HARBOR, KÓPAVOGUR, ICELAND
The project focuses on sustainable building design by envisioning a cutting-edge research center in Iceland that promotes collaboration, drives innovation, educates the public, serves as a landmark, and reflects the stunning natural beauty of Iceland’s landscapes.
Competition Ended in April, 2025
PARTNERS
We appreciate all those who dedicated their time, materials, and resources to the competition. These supports and contributions were instrumental in creating a unique and enriching experience for all participants.
April 28th, 2025 – Design Unlimited is proud to announce the winners of the highly anticipated Renewable Energy Research Center of Iceland international design competition. After a rigorous evaluation process led by an esteemed panel of architects, designers, and sustainability experts, the top projects have been selected for their visionary approaches, design excellence, and innovative responses to the future of renewable energy architecture.
Winners:
-
First Prize: Yufeng Tu, Jiayu Zhu, Peixuan Wu – [WHALE LEAPS]
-
Second Prize: Ivan Kucherenko, Anton Pyschyda, Viktor Zelenyak – [UNITY WITH NATURE]
-
Third Prize: Weichen Wang, Youssef Denial, Victor Fomin – [KRISTAL HÖLLIN]
-
Honorable Mention 1: Luan Fontes, Andreas Palfinger, Aysin Sahir, Ana Cyano, Gabriel Perucchi – [THE VIOLENCE OF THE WINDS]
-
Honorable Mention 2: Won Jun Choi, Ji Won Park, Jin Hyeok Hwang – [ASCENDING INNOVATION CENTER]
-
Honorable Mention 3: Zhengzhuo Wang – [THE GORGE OF HEAT]
-
Special Mention 1: Yeong Ug Lee, Gwang Jin Noh, Dong Ha Lee – [NEW RESONANCE IN THE BOX]
-
Special Mention 2: Ziyue Liu, Shuai Wang – [AN ECHO OF THE GLACIER]
-
Special Mention 3: Jeonghun Han, Hyeyoung Kim – [CENTER FOR HERITAGE AND RENEWABLE FUTURES]
-
Special Mention 4: Yicheng Gao, Tong Zang – [THE KÁRSNES EYE]
The competition attracted an extraordinary range of submissions from around the world, each offering a unique vision for a cutting-edge facility dedicated to renewable energy research, set within Iceland's striking natural landscape. Participants were challenged to envision how architecture can meaningfully engage with climate, context, and technology to shape the future of energy and environmental responsibility. The winning projects stood out for their bold concepts, visionary thinking, and thoughtful integration of architectural form with environmental performance. These designs exemplify how the built environment can lead the way in global efforts toward sustainability, while celebrating Iceland’s pioneering spirit and deep connection to nature.
Gallery of Submission
A showcase of visionary proposals from around the world, this gallery presents innovative and thought-provoking designs for the Renewable Energy Research Center of Iceland.

























PARTNERS
We appreciate all those who dedicated their time, materials, and resources to the competition. These supports and contributions were instrumental in creating a unique and enriching experience for all participants.
bottom of page