Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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

Author:
Elitta Moubarak
Curvilinear Glass Facade and Natural Stone Integration in an Eco-Friendly Winter Retreat

Project in-detail

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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy