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Elevated Eco-Friendly Cabins Featuring Aluminum Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Bogdan Chipara
Elevated Eco-Friendly Cabins Featuring Aluminum Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Icelandic Landscapes
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Constructed with elevated aluminum-clad structures and expansive glazing, these cabins are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a unique retreat experience amid Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground disturbance and preserves local ecosystems.
02
Aluminum cladding enhances durability against harsh weather conditions.
03
Modular configuration allows flexible accommodation for various guest needs.
04
Expansive glazing maximizes natural light and promotes views of the landscape.
05
Sustainable building practices include solar energy integration and recyclable materials.

### Overview
The Bird Eyes trekking cabins are located in the rugged terrains of Iceland, intentionally designed to respect the region's unique geological features and support the increasing demands of eco-tourism. These modular cabins provide visitors with a sustainable accommodation option that encourages immersion in the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design invokes traditional Icelandic forms, characterized by steep, pitched roofs that mirror the surrounding mountain silhouettes. This approach allows the cabins to blend seamlessly with their environment while providing modern amenities. Elevated on stilts, the cabins minimize soil disturbance, thereby protecting the delicate ecosystems below and enhancing visitor access to remote areas. The modular configuration includes sleeping units, communal lounges, and operational spaces tailored to meet varying usage requirements, fostering flexibility for diverse visitor groups.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes environmental sustainability and durability. Aluminum panels form the exterior, offering resilience against extreme weather conditions while maintaining a lightweight profile. Interior spaces utilize plywood and timber to evoke warmth and a sense of connection to the natural setting. Large glass windows and doors enhance daylight penetration and panoramic views, enriching the visitor experience. The incorporation of recyclable insulation and a steel framework ensures energy efficiency while supporting the elevated design. The overall construction reflects a commitment to renewable resources, including solar energy systems, aligning with Iceland’s sustainability objectives.

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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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