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Curvilinear Glass Facade and Natural Stone Integration in an Eco-Friendly Winter Retreat

Curvilinear Glass Facade and Natural Stone Integration in an Eco-Friendly Winter Retreat
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The seamless integration of a curvilinear glass facade and locally sourced stone creates a sustainable ski retreat that harmonizes with Iceland's rugged landscape while providing essential amenities for winter recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's design emphasizes natural light through extensive glass surfaces integrated into the curvilinear facade.
02
Local stone was used to enhance sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
03
A unique snow access feature allows direct connectivity to the ski slopes from multiple points of the building.
04
The blend of cross-laminated timber panels with charred wood shingles creates a distinctive texture and resilience against harsh weather.
05
The open plan layout facilitates social interaction while maintaining distinct areas for relaxation and recreational activities.

## Overview

The Recaldera ski snow cabin is located in Iceland's distinctive landscapes, designed to blend with the natural environment while catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The project emphasizes a connection between architecture and the surrounding terrain, reflecting the geological features of the region. The design focuses on creating an engaging user experience in a context marked by challenging weather conditions.

## Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of the Recaldera cabin promotes fluidity and interaction. The ground floor serves as the main entrance, providing access to essential facilities including equipment storage, changing rooms, and bathrooms, while an outdoor terrace establishes a direct link to the ski slopes. On the first floor, the lounge and dining area facilitate social gatherings, enhanced by expansive views of the landscape. The layout enables a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging exploration and connectivity.

### Structural and Material Considerations

The project employs a diverse range of materials, selected for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Concrete provides durability against harsh weather, while glass enhances transparency, allowing for unobstructed views. Steel is utilized in the structural framework to support the building’s sculptural form, complemented by wooden finishes that add warmth to the interiors. Natural stone elements were also incorporated to resonate with the geological characteristics of the site. This careful selection of materials reinforces the design's commitment to sustainability, integrating locally-sourced components and energy-efficient systems.

Overall, the Recaldera cabin presents a coherent architectural solution that addresses both ecological sensitivity and user needs, achieved through innovative structural techniques and thoughtful spatial organization.

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Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
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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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