Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Emphasizing Community with Concrete and Wood Cladding in a Winter Retreat Structure

Authors:
Madalena Ribeiro Bailey, Leonardo Rafael Dos Santos Oliveira
Emphasizing Community with Concrete and Wood Cladding in a Winter Retreat Structure

Project in-detail

A central communal patio with an angled roof and extensive wood cladding creates a welcoming atmosphere in this cabin designed to provide shelter and connection amid the northern Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central patio designed for communal gatherings enhances social interaction.
02
Sloped roof mimics local topography for aesthetic coherence and snow management.
03
Circular opening represents volcanic inspiration, connecting architecture to landscape.
04
Material selection prioritizes durability and warmth, combining concrete and wood.
05
Accessible design facilitates movement for all visitors, ensuring inclusivity.
The LOOK UP Ski Snow Cabin is an architectural design project situated in the Mývatn region of Northern Iceland. This structure is conceptualized to serve both as a recreational retreat and a communal hub for visitors wishing to engage with the natural landscape. Emphasizing a connection with its surroundings, the cabin offers a distinct approach to winter lodge design, encouraging occupants to appreciate the beauty of the sky above while being sheltered from the elements.

The architecture of the cabin features a square floor plan, centering around a communal area that promotes social interaction among guests. The structure's configuration supports multiple functions, including communal dining, relaxation, and viewing areas. A key element of the design is the external viewing deck, which allows for unobstructed views of the northern lights and the expansive Icelandic sky. This integration fosters a sense of community by encouraging shared experiences.

Unique Design Approaches

One significant aspect of the design is its focus on skyward orientation. The central open space is specifically designed to draw attention upward, effectively integrating the outdoor environment with the interior experience. This notion reinforces the cabin’s identity as a space that evokes the grandeur of the natural world while providing a cozy, warm atmosphere for occupants.

The materials used in the construction of the LOOK UP Ski Snow Cabin further highlight its innovative approach. Utilizing concrete for the foundation and structural support, alongside wood for windows, floors, and cladding, this project balances durability with warmth. The sloping roof design reflects local topography, aligning the structure visually with its surroundings and enhancing functionality concerning snow management. Additionally, elements inspired by Iceland's volcanic landscape, such as the circular opening in the roof, create a thematic coherence that connects the architectural design with its geographical context.

Functional Elements

The project incorporates essential facilities while maintaining an emphasis on communal and recreational spaces. The central patio, equipped with a fire pit, serves as the nucleus for social gatherings and activities. Adjacent to this area, private spaces for rest and warmth provide comfort during harsh weather conditions. Service areas, including utility rooms and equipment storage, are discreetly integrated to ensure convenience without disrupting the overall aesthetic.

The design also prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, making the cabin welcoming for all individuals, regardless of mobility. Maximizing natural light and solar exposure further illustrates the thoughtful consideration of ecological impacts in the architectural planning.

For further insights into the project’s architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation in greater detail. This comprehensive look will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and the unique attributes that set the LOOK UP Ski Snow Cabin apart from other winter retreats.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16,979 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