Nordic BIM Challenge for Students

Nordic BIM Group runs a student competition together with FinnBuild.

A new competition

Nordic BIM Group and Helsinki Messukeskus are running a new competition at FinnBuild. It is open to built-environment students at universities and universities of applied sciences across Finland who have completed at least their second year of study.

Applications are open until 31 August 2026. Register as early as you can, so your team has as much time as possible to work on the entry.

Register on FinnBuild

The task is to design a concept for a future relocatable, modular, low-carbon detached house, made to be built as a real building.

The design is done in Archicad. The software is free for the teams selected to take part. The aim is a building that can scale and, when needed, move with the residents as their life situation changes.

We are looking for teams of three to six students representing architecture, structural and building-services disciplines. Up to eight teams are selected. The Challenge builds practical design and collaboration skills, and the entries are presented at FinnBuild.

Prizes

The competition awards prizes in four categories, and every participant receives a diploma. The categories are:

  • Aesthetically best building: EUR 1,500
  • Best teamwork (use of teamwork and multidisciplinary modelling): EUR 1,500
  • Most feasible overall and best in model content structure and lifecycle management: EUR 3,000
  • Trade-fair audience favourite (winner of the public vote)
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Getting started and support

The competition kickoff is available as video recordings. You receive the links to the recordings and the starter material after you register.

We held a separate info session about the competition for teachers. To get the recording, contact us.

Ready to take part?

Form your team and register before 31 August 2026. The sooner you start, the more time you have to build a strong entry.

Register on FinnBuild