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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 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.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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