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Concrete Shelter Embracing Hverfjall's Landscape

Author:
Dylan Rosato
Concrete Shelter Embracing Hverfjall's Landscape
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Constructed with a minimal amount of concrete, the shelter on Hverfjall's ridge promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape while providing a contemplative space for visitors to reflect and reconnect with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from 50 bags of concrete for a low-impact footprint.
02
Encourages exploration with a plinth and landing accessible from multiple angles.
03
Features a small, articulated room within the spandrels for focused contemplation.
04
Integrates naturally into Hverfjall's ridge, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
05
Facilitates a dual experience of enclosure and expansive views from the top.

Sid is an installation located on Hverfjall's ridge in Iceland, designed to embody the ideas of Shelter, Inquiry, and (self) Discovery. The overall design takes advantage of the natural landscape while providing a functional space that encourages visitors to engage and explore.

SHELTER

The structure features a simple arrangement of staircases, covered seating, and a platform. Together, these elements create a basic yet playful shelter that protects visitors from the weather. The focus on practicality ensures the installation accommodates its users, while the straightforward design allows it to blend into the landscape, ensuring that attention remains on the beauty of the surroundings.

INQUIRY

As visitors approach Sid, it sparks curiosity and invites exploration. Up close, the simplicity of the design becomes evident, leading to interactions with the natural environment. Visitors are encouraged to climb the plinth or ascend to the landing, where they may find a small articulated room within the spandrels. This layered experience adds depth to their visit, allowing for physical engagement and moments for quiet contemplation.

MATERIALITY

The choice of materials is significant in Sid’s design. A minimal amount of concrete, specifically 50 bags, has been used, highlighting a commitment to reduce the structure’s footprint. By doing this, the surrounding landscape continues to dominate the view. The lightweight formwork also supports easier transport to the site, making a low-impact build that respects the environment.

The design creates a connection between movement, interaction, and departure, encouraging a deeper relationship with the site. As visitors navigate the structure, they move between enclosed spaces and panoramic views, enhancing their awareness of their presence in the vast Icelandic landscape, where the horizon opens up to contemplative moments and a sense of connection to nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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