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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Seamless Ski Hub in Mývatn

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Seamless Ski Hub in Mývatn
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Using charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the facility integrates with the Mývatn landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable exterior that blends with the volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while offering a warm interior atmosphere.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient snow shedding and maximizes internal space.
04
Natural stone cladding reinforces local context and ensures long-term resilience against harsh weather.
05
Modular construction enables future expansion to accommodate increased visitor capacity.

# Fótsporð Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in the Mývatn province of Iceland, Fótsporð serves as a functional hub for winter sports tourism, designed to harmonize with the region's striking volcanic landscape. The name "Fótsporð," meaning "footprints," reflects both the transient nature of visitors and the geological history of the area. The project aims to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings while providing essential facilities that support the local winter sports community.

## Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The design utilizes a modular system that allows for a flexible layout, starting from a traditional form and evolving into interlinked volumes. This approach not only facilitates future expansions but also accommodates various functional areas without compromising visual coherence. The spatial organization prioritizes the clear delineation of different activity zones, critical for adapting to the varying demands of ski tour seasons. A central common area fosters social interaction and contains key amenities, including restrooms and equipment storage.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials were selected with an emphasis on sustainability and durability in the harsh Icelandic climate. The project features locally sourced stone cladding, wood finishes, and double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency. Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while maintaining energy performance. Rigid insulation and robust roofing materials were employed to withstand environmental stresses, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing the building's ecological footprint. This thoughtful material approach reinforces the design's connection to its locale while ensuring year-round functionality.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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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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