CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
We invite you to submit your projects showcasing aerogel use in architecture, construction, refurbishment, and monument preservation. The competition seeks the best realized projects from architects, civil engineers, and students. The top projects selected by our jury will be shortlisted for the Aerogel Architecture Awards ceremony, held near Zurich at the Empa campus, receiving international recognition. Winning projects will be published in renowned architecture magazines and portals.
This award celebrates innovation in energy efficiency, unconventional solutions, translucent daylighting, and high-performance buildings using superinsulating aerogel materials.
Why You Should Participate
- Recognition: Get featured in international publications.
- Networking: Showcase your work to leading professionals and researchers.
- Prizes: Winners receive trophies, certificates, and financial awards for student projects.
Key Highlights
Categories
- Realized Solutions – Architects, civil engineers, and their studios.
- Student Designs – Architecture and civil engineering students.
Jury
- Beat Kämpfen // Kämpfen Zinke + Partner / Switzerland
- Volker Herzog // Herzog-architektur / Germany
- Manfred Wehdorn // Wehdorn Architekten / Austria
- Michael O’Connor // Advapor / Advanced Porous Material Consortium / France
Partners
- Agitec
- FIXIT
- IBIH
- Hasit
- Empa
Entry Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Realized Solutions | Free |
| Student Designs | Free |
Prizes and Recognition
| Award | Prize (CHF) | Additional Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place (Students) | 1500 CHF | Certificate, Online Presentation |
| 2nd Place (Students) | 1000 CHF | Certificate, Online Presentation |
| 3rd Place (Students) | 500 CHF | Certificate, Online Presentation |
| Honorable Mention | 250 CHF | Certificate (if jury decides) |
| Realized Solutions Winners | N/A | Trophy, Certificate, Presentation at the Event |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Competition Announcement & Registration Opens | January 20, 2025 |
| Project Submission Deadline | May 16, 2025 (23:59 Zurich time) |
| Winners’ Announcement Event | June 13, 2025, 15:30 (Empa Duebendorf) |
Submission Details
Who Can Submit?
- Architectural and civil engineering studios can submit realized projects from any country.
- Architecture and civil engineering students can submit proposals using aerogel-based materials.
Project Age Requirement
- Projects must not be older than three years.
Encouraged Submissions
- Renovation of protected buildings using aerogel insulation.
- Energy-efficient refurbishments or new constructions using aerogel materials.
Winners’ Presentations
- Realized Solutions Category winners will be invited to Switzerland to present their projects in person at the Empa campus (NEST building, Zurich).
- Student Category winners will present their projects via video submission.
How to Join
- Prepare a ZIP or RAR file (max. 20MB) with the following:
- 1 PDF (A1 size poster, portrait) including plans, sections, photographs, and linear drawings.
- 1-3 JPEGs (cover photos, high resolution).
- 1 PDF (DWG, DXF) with a linear vector detail of aerogel insulation, including a technical drawing (Blue RGB – 95,183,215).
- 1 DOCX (300-word project description).
- Choose a 6-digit identification number (avoid sequences, repeating digits, or letters).
- Mark your poster and ZIP file with your identification number.
- Complete the online registration form. If unavailable, send the Excel version via email.
By submitting, you agree to the publication of your project and confirm you have the property rights for images, graphics, and drawings included in your submission.
Judging Criteria
- Preservation of appearance (for cultural heritage projects).
- Energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Originality and innovation in aerogel use.
This is your chance to gain international recognition and showcase your expertise in innovative architecture using aerogel. Submit your project and be part of the Aerogel Architecture Awards 2025!
