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Elevated Shelter Featuring Circular Design and Sustainable Timber Cladding

Author:
Yee Chien Lun
Elevated Shelter Featuring Circular Design and Sustainable Timber Cladding

Project in-detail

Circular design with elevated timber construction provides a sustainable and communal shelter for trekkers navigating the Icelandic wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on stilts to minimize environmental impact.
02
Circular layout fosters communal interaction among users.
03
Utilizes rainwater harvesting through an innovative roof design.
04
Incorporates large glass panels for panoramic views and natural light.
05
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.

The Iceland Trekking Cabin is an architectural project designed to serve as a temporary retreat for trekkers in the Icelandic wilderness. This structure is strategically situated to provide shelter against harsh weather conditions while enhancing the experience of users through its thoughtful spatial arrangement and material selection. The design reflects an understanding of both the local environmental context and the functional needs of its occupants, resulting in a building that is practical yet deeply integrated with the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability is a core principle of this project. The cabin elevates itself on stilts, minimizing ground disturbance and ecological impact. The circular design promotes communal interaction, with shared spaces encouraging social engagement among users after a day of trekking. This configuration is notable for its efficient use of space, offering essential facilities such as sleeping quarters, a kitchenette, and relaxation areas, all within a streamlined layout that fosters connectivity.

The choice of materials for the Iceland Trekking Cabin is integral to its sustainability and functionality. The primary structure uses wood, providing warmth and a natural aesthetic. Complementary to this is a metal roof designed to collect rainwater and withstand the harsh Icelandic weather. The inclusion of large glass panels maximizes natural light, enhancing the connection between interior spaces and the external environment. This use of materials not only aligns with sustainability goals but also contributes to the building's overall resilience.

Adaptability is another important feature of the design. The cabin's engineering takes into consideration the challenges posed by Iceland's varied terrain, ensuring that the structure can be effectively utilized regardless of specific site conditions. This versatility, combined with energy-efficient solutions such as solar panel integration, positions the Iceland Trekking Cabin as a forward-thinking model for future architectural endeavors in remote areas.

The project distinguishes itself through its emphasis on user experience within a communal framework. By fostering interaction and shared experiences among trekkers, the cabin redefines the notion of shelter in a wilderness setting. This focus on communal living is reinforced by strategic spatial organization, ensuring that pathways and common areas encourage movement and socialization.

To gain deeper insights into the Iceland Trekking Cabin, it is recommended to explore its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas. These elements provide a comprehensive view of the technical design aspects and the thoughtful considerations behind this unique project. The architectural designs reflect a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, making this cabin an exemplary model in its category.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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