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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat

Authors:
Hyunggyu Kim, Kwang Min Lee, Victoria Lee, Brian Luce
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled composite materials, the design merges traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern sustainability practices to create a communal living space in Iceland's highland region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sloped roof for efficient snow management and water collection.
02
Incorporates recycled fishing net material for unique interior texture.
03
Combines traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern construction techniques.
04
Features modular sleeping pods to enhance communal flexibility and privacy.
05
Integrates renewable wind energy solutions for self-sufficiency.

**Location and Context**
The project is situated in Iceland’s rugged landscape, characterized by heavy snowfall and high winds, requiring a design that addresses these climatic challenges. Drawing inspiration from traditional Viking longhouses, the architecture aims to facilitate interaction with the natural environment while providing essential shelter. The intent is to create a space that fosters community among occupants while promoting sustainable living practices.

**Architectural Form and Materials**
The design features a bold, sloped roof that effectively manages heavy snowfall, allowing for efficient water collection that channels melted snow into integrated storage systems. The facade employs a grid of glass panels and lightweight wooden structures, ensuring both transparency and insulation. Material choices include wood for structural supports, glass for natural lighting, recycled composite panels for reduced environmental impact, and weathering steel for durability. Interior spaces incorporate recycled fishing nets to echo local culture, while hollow steel tubes provide a lightweight and robust structural framework.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
Interior arrangements emphasize communal living while allowing for privacy through modular sleeping arrangements. Movable partitions and adjustable furniture enhance flexibility, accommodating groups such as hikers or research teams. Key features include a spacious dining area designed as a central gathering point, alongside individualized sleeping pods that balance privacy with the openness of the overall design. The layout contributes to a sense of community while maintaining functionality for varied user needs.

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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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