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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Insulation Envelop a Sustainable Retreat Overlooking Mývatn

Authors:
Ali furkan Yönder, Havva elif Koç
Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Insulation Envelop a Sustainable Retreat Overlooking Mývatn

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and enhanced thermal insulation, the retreat offers a seamless integration with the landscape of Mývatn while providing a functional space for dining and lodging.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that improve structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize snow management and minimize maintenance.
04
Strategically oriented windows provide panoramic views of Lake Mývatn while maximizing natural light.
05
Includes an outdoor hot tub area designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The Vogaþjós Restaurant & Guest House, located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, serves as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Icelandic architecture. The project integrates local cultural elements with modern design to create a functional retreat that caters to both locals and visitors. The building’s aesthetic is rooted in its natural surroundings, emphasizing both form and function to enhance the user experience.

Unique Architectural Features The structural design features a combination of wooden and concrete materials, reflecting a dialogue between tradition and modernity. The wooden facade provides warmth and aligns with the environmental context, while concrete elements ensure structural integrity and durability. The hipped roof, a classic component of Icelandic architecture, addresses the region's climatic challenges, ensuring effective snow management while contributing to energy efficiency. Large aluminum-framed windows establish a visual connection with the landscape, facilitating an immersive experience for occupants.

Interior Functionality and Layout Inside, the layout promotes social interaction while accommodating individual needs. The common living room acts as a central gathering space, designed to take advantage of panoramic views of the lakeside environment. The outdoor hot tub area offers relaxation with scenic vistas, further blending indoor and outdoor living. Guest rooms have been thoughtfully placed to maximize natural light and views, reinforcing the building's connection to its surroundings.

Sustainable Design Practices and Local Integration Sustainability is a foundational principle of the Vogaþjós project. Attention to thermal insulation, combined with the use of local materials, minimizes the environmental footprint while enhancing comfort. Garden spaces that incorporate native flora underscored the commitment to ecological integration.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind Vogaþjós Restaurant & Guest House will provide deeper insights into its unique approach and functionality. Engage with the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural significance and design methodologies.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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