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Basalt Pathways Through Volcanic Landscapes for Reflective Retreats

Authors:
Israel Leandro-flores®, Aarón Josué Condemaita Bonilla, Luis Alfredo Velasquez Carhuatocto
Basalt Pathways Through Volcanic Landscapes for Reflective Retreats
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Basalt pathways weave through a volcanic landscape, creating a reflective retreat that harmonizes with Iceland's natural beauty and cultural narrative.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt modules designed to blend with the landscape enhance visual integration.
02
Paths connect significant geographic points, encouraging exploration of the terrain.
03
Water features serve as central elements, promoting reflection and tranquility.
04
Inspired by Icelandic poetry, the design emphasizes themes of solitude and nature.
05
Historical references to turf houses shape the architectural identity and form.

The architectural design project "Beacon to the Sky" is set in the unique landscape of Iceland. It draws inspiration from Icelandic poetry, focusing on themes such as nature, solitude, and light. The overall design aims to create spaces that invite contemplation and connection with the environment, serving both as a retreat for reflection and a point of cultural significance.

Conceptual Framework
The design is based on the interpretation of Icelandic poetry, which highlights the beauty of the land and the qualities of light. This foundation influences the way built forms relate to their surroundings, encouraging a respectful dialogue between architecture and nature. The project aims to resonate with local cultural identity while also appealing to visitors with its universal themes.

Spatial Organization
A series of modules are arranged along pathways that link key geographical sites, including Voladalstorfa, Kjarnaskógur, Askja, and Skjólfjörur. This organization takes into account the natural features of these locations, allowing users to explore and engage with the landscape. The arrangement fosters clear sightlines and encourages a connection with the environment, showing how architecture can enhance the experience of the land.

Architectural Identity
The design references traditional Icelandic structures, such as Viking-era turf houses and the contemporary Hallgrímskirkja. This connection to history helps shape a specific architectural identity. The forms created reflect natural characteristics, such as basalt columns and organic lines. By relating closely to the landscape, the buildings become part of the environment, demonstrating how architecture and nature can coexist.

Water Features
Water plays an important role in the design, with waterfalls and ponds serving as central elements. These features add to the visual landscape and create a soothing auditory experience. The presence of water encourages visitors to engage with the site and offers moments for reflection. Thoughtful positioning of these features creates opportunities for viewing and experiencing the surrounding terrain.

The careful arrangement of spaces and water elements invites a deeper connection to the Icelandic landscape, enhancing both the visual and emotional experience. Light filters through strategically placed openings, allowing for interactions between the interior and the outside, further strengthening the bond with the natural world.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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