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Curved Shell Structure Featuring Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Eco-Friendly Lichens in Icelandic Habitat

Authors:
Mathieu Chapus, Alessandro Boldrini, Pierre-alexis Galland
Curved Shell Structure Featuring Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Eco-Friendly Lichens in Icelandic Habitat
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A shell structure composed of glass fiber reinforced concrete and enriched with living Icelandic lichens offers a sustainable habitat that seamlessly integrates with its harsh environment while providing essential communal living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aerodynamic curved form minimizes wind resistance in harsh climatic conditions.
02
Integration of living Icelandic lichens enhances thermal performance and ecological connection.
03
Construction employs glass fiber reinforced concrete for durability and insulation.
04
Modular design allows for efficient assembly and disassembly in various locations.
05
Strategically placed ventilation chimney promotes natural airflow throughout the interior.

### Overview and Context
This project, located in Iceland, features a spherical structure designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape while addressing the region’s unique climatic challenges. The design emphasizes sustainability, utilizing innovative material choices and structural forms to create a resilient habitat. Its primary intent is to foster a sense of refuge and connection to the natural environment, reflecting a commitment to ecological consciousness.

### Spatial Configuration
The interior layout is organized to promote social interaction and community living, incorporating essential spaces such as a living room, vestibule, and dormitory. The arrangement facilitates fluid movement among these areas, with expansive windows providing abundant natural light and unobstructed views of the Icelandic scenery. This modular design not only minimizes heat loss but also creates a sense of spaciousness within a compact form.

### Material Selection
The project employs a diverse range of materials that contribute to its sustainability and performance:

- **Laminated Timber** is utilized for the structural framing, offering a lightweight yet strong support system.
- **Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete** serves as the exterior shell, providing durability and effective thermal insulation.
- **Linen and Cork Composite** are used for interior finishes, enhancing insulation while incorporating natural elements.
- **Icelandic Lichens** feature prominently on the façade, assisting with thermal regulation and promoting ecological integration.
- **Zinc Cladding** on the roof ensures durability and weather resistance.
- **Rubber** is applied for flooring and seals, contributing to comfort and resilience.
- An **insulation layer** of 30 mm is critical for maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

The design incorporates features such as an active ventilation chimney that enhances air quality and embraces natural airflow, ensuring internal comfort during harsh winters. Additionally, the use of self-sustaining materials highlights the project's low maintenance requirements, aligning with its sustainability goals.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 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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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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