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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Ski Cabin Embracing Nature

Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Ski Cabin Embracing Nature
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, the cabin seamlessly blends with the Icelandic landscape while providing a communal space for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and insulation.
03
Features extensive glazing on the southern facade to maximize natural light.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to reduce wind load and improve aerodynamic performance.
05
Designed with a central hub that fosters community interaction among users.

### Project Overview
The Iceland Ski Snow Cabin is situated in a snow-laden region of Iceland, designed to function as a ski facility and communal space. The intent is to harmonize the built environment with the surrounding landscape, enabling visitors to engage with Iceland's distinctive topography and potential views of atmospheric phenomena like the Northern Lights. The layout prioritizes both functionality and user experience, aiming to provide warmth and comfort in contrast to the harsh outdoor climate.

### Spatial Strategy
The cabin's multi-functional design features a central hub framed by three main axes that converge to create an inviting core for social interaction. This layout enhances connectivity within the space and facilitates efficient movement. The central area serves as both a gathering place and a focal point, featuring a fireplace that provides warmth. Surrounding this hub are public and maintenance facilities, organized for optimal circulation and access.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
Sustainable and durable materials are integral to the design, reflecting the requirements of the harsh Icelandic climate. Key materials include a concrete foundation, a metal frame, timber-framed insulated walls, and a metal roof. Interior finishes incorporate mineral wool insulation and wood, enhancing both acoustic comfort and aesthetic appeal. The strategic orientation of the building maximizes solar gain during winter months while providing protection from summer sun, ensuring the structure's resilience and functionality throughout the year. Abundant glazing on the primary facade further promotes natural light and panoramic views of the landscape, reinforcing visual connectivity with the environment.

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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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