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Dual Structures of Charred Wood and Local Stone Integrated in a Winter Retreat

Dual Structures of Charred Wood and Local Stone Integrated in a Winter Retreat
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Constructed from charred wood and local stone, the ski lodge features dual mirrored structures designed to blend with the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced lava rock for enhanced insulation.
02
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize snow runoff.
03
Dual mirrored structures promote symmetry while optimizing space.
04
Incorporates extensive outdoor decks for unobstructed landscape views.
05
Features communal gathering areas designed for social interaction among guests.

### Project Overview
Tvíburatoppar, situated in a valley northeast of Lake Mývatn in Iceland, functions as a ski lodge designed to coexist with the local environment. The facility emphasizes functionality for winter sports enthusiasts while fostering social interaction among visitors. The architectural strategy prioritizes integration with the surrounding landscape, achieved through the design of two mirrored buildings that reflect the symmetry of the natural environment and optimize usable space.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The layout of Tvíburatoppar is organized to facilitate fluid movement between service areas, enhancing the overall skiing experience. Communal spaces are deliberately designed to encourage interaction among guests, offering areas for relaxation and refreshment. The proximity to the ski lift minimizes travel distances for users, thus improving accessibility to ski slopes. Additionally, the incorporation of outdoor decks and seating areas complements the indoor relaxation zones, allowing visitors to engage with their surroundings in various ways.

### Material Considerations and Construction Techniques
The structural integrity of Tvíburatoppar is reinforced through the careful selection of materials that emphasize sustainability and practicality. Concrete forms the foundation and walls, ensuring thermal stability, while locally sourced wood infuses warmth into the interior. Steel sheets facilitate efficient drainage on the roof, and lava rock is integrated into the walls for both insulation and a connection to Iceland’s geological heritage. Traditional building techniques, such as the use of structural timber frames, minimize waste and promote local craftsmanship. The design incorporates innovative water management systems to mitigate snow accumulation, ensuring long-term durability against severe weather conditions.

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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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