Competition 2026
About the competition
For nearly a century, Knauf has helped shape construction practices around the world. From the gypsum board systems developed in the early 20th century to the global standardization of dry construction, acoustic solutions, and fire-resistant assemblies, Knauf materials have become an integral part of the professional language of contemporary architecture.
Yet materials are only the surface of architecture. A building gains meaning through the idea and vision behind it a vision that responds to topography, climate, context, history, and the needs of its users. It is the discovery and presentation of such architectural thinking that the Knauf Architecture Competition seeks to encourage, while also creating a platform for dialogue among architects.
The objective of our international competition is to connect architects across borders. The competition serves as a meeting point where the work of participants from different countries can be explored by international colleagues, where local architectural solutions become part of a broader professional discourse, and where emerging architects have the opportunity to learn from the regional standards, approaches, and perspectives developed by their peers.
Participation Requirements
Who Can Participate?
Registered architects, architectural firms, and within the Student Diploma Project category students or recent graduates of accredited schools of architecture.
Geographic Scope
Projects may be located in any country. They may be submitted by an architect or architectural practice regardless of whether they are based in the same country as the project, provided that they hold authorship rights to the submitted work.
Project Eligibility Period
Built projects must have been completed (commissioned, occupied, or equivalent) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2025.
Student Diploma Project Category
Diploma projects must have been formally presented and approved within the same period.
Use of Knauf Materials
The use of Knauf materials is mandatory only for the “Best Use of Knauf Materials” category. For all other categories, the use of Knauf products is not required. If Knauf systems have been used in a project, please specify them in the technical description.
Submission materials
Submission Requirements
Each application must include the following materials, compiled into a single ZIP archive:
01. Presentation Boards
- Two A1-format boards in portrait orientation, submitted as PDF files.
- Resolution: 150–300 dpi.
- The boards must include plans, sections, elevations, key details,
photographic material, and a concept statement. - Identification of the author and/or architectural office is permitted.
02. Project Description
- PDF document, 1–3 pages.
- Language: English. Georgian translation is recommended but not mandatory.
- The description must include the concept, site analysis,
programmatic solution, and technical decisions. - For the “Best Use of Knauf Materials” category,
a complete description of the Knauf systems used is required,
including references to the relevant products.
03. Technical Drawings
The submission must include a set of PDF files containing:
- General site plan;
- Plans of all floors;
- At least two sections;
- Elevations;
- One wall section.
A scale indicator and north arrow are mandatory.
04. Application Form
Participants must register on the competition website and complete the application form.
The following information must be provided:
- Author / Authors;
- Architectural Office;
- Project Location;
- Completion Date;
- Selected Category or Categories.
05. Format and Submission
- All materials must be compiled into a single ZIP archive.
- The ZIP archive must be named using the project title and the name of the lead author.
- Maximum archive size: 200 MB.
- Submission must be completed through the competition website.
- Confirmation of receipt will be sent within a maximum of 48 hours.
06. Participation Fee
Participation in the competition is free of charge.