Openair Suites Competition 2026
Competition Brief
Openair Suites is an international architecture competition that invites designers to create a new type of rural accommodation which will be built in the agricultural area that surrounds Mount Etna in Sicily. The participants must create two suite prototype designs which will function as part of a complete building design system. The project requires developers to establish a recognizable hospitality brand while constructing their suites at the site through methods that will decrease their effect on natural resources.
Intent
The competition aims to demonstrate how small architectural designs create authentic rural experiences which unfold through gradual exploration of their surroundings. Participants must design suites together with a brandbook which defines architectural design standards for future system expansions across different locations.
Purpose
The competition challenges designers to create systems which use natural elements and spatial design to establish their hospitality identity, instead of creating their designs by focusing only on particular buildings. The participants must create design solutions which demonstrate their understanding of comfort and spatial design and visitor interaction, while they must also show respect for both agricultural areas and natural elements.
Requirements
The competition accepts participants from various creative professions, including students, architects, designers, urban planners, engineers, and artists, who come from different parts of the world. Participants may choose to compete as single contestants or form teams for the competition. The submission package needs to contain an A3 booklet which measures 30 pages and a single A1 panel that displays information in a horizontal layout. The designs must present the architectural system together with the site development plan for the chosen rural site.
Jury
An international jury of architects, designers, and professionals in the built environment evaluates submissions based on clarity of concept, spatial coherence, responsiveness to context, and quality of presentation. The jury makes its decisions based on design quality combined with the effectiveness of the proposed architectural system.
- Giovanni Polazzi — Architect, Archea Associati
- Aldo Cingolani — Designer, Bertone Design
- Eugenia Pronzati — Designer, The Blue Corner
- Sergio Redaelli — Designer, Crippaconcept
- Sergio Pitrone — Designer, Vertumn
- Gloria Pierluigi — Designer, Fuorirotta
- Francesco Salvaggio — Designer, myGlamping.it
- Giorgia Dallasio — Designer, Sustainable Brand Platform
Fees
| Registration Stage | Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Registration | 69 € |
| Standard Registration | 99 € |
| Late Registration | 129 € |
Rewards
| Award | Details |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | 3,000 € |
| 2nd Prize | 2,000 € |
| 3rd Prize | 1,000 € |
| Golden Mentions | Coupons for free memberships |
| Honorable Mentions | Coupons for free competitions |
| Finalists | Publication on competition channels |
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | January 20, 2026 |
| Early Registration Ends | March 6, 2026 |
| Standard Registration Ends | March 27, 2026 |
| Late Registration Ends | April 10, 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | April 10, 2026 |
| Winners Announced | May 11, 2026 |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The Openair Suites Competition 2026 asks participants to design integrated rural suite modules within a coherent architectural system, offering first prizes of 3,000 € for top submissions. The competition is organized internationally, with a fully disclosed jury of architects and designers, which supports professional transparency. The design competition allows individual and team participation while assessing system identity and site integration abilities without guaranteeing project execution. The visual and systemic design needs of the project determine which expenses should be paid to the design team. Participants will use the program to create portfolios and develop ideas, while a skilled jury will provide assessments of their work.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Openair Suites Competition 2026 encourages designers to engage with rural architecture beyond conventional accommodation models. The system requires designers to produce a brandbook and system design because these elements establish design coherence and brand identity beyond building design. The competition uses typical architectural design competition methods for its fee structure and prize allocation, but the winning designs will only be implemented through future decisions. The primary objective of the research focuses on exploring concepts, developing spatial designs, and understanding how different environments affect research outcomes.
Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & Conferences
ArchUp offers daily updates on top global architectural exhibitions, design conferences, and professional art and design forums.
Follow key architecture competitions, check official results, and stay informed through the latest architectural news worldwide.
ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven opportunities across the globe.
Registration Deadline
Brought to you by the ArchUp Editorial Team
Inspiration starts here. Dive deeper into Architecture, Interior Design, Research, Cities, Design, and cutting-edge Projects on ArchUp
