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Extruded Cave Form with Insulated Steel Joists and Natural Stone Fireplace Serving as a Retreat in Iceland

Extruded Cave Form with Insulated Steel Joists and Natural Stone Fireplace Serving as a Retreat in Iceland
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The extruded cave design, constructed with insulated steel joists and enhanced by a natural stone fireplace, provides a functional retreat for visitors seeking shelter in the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extruded cave design optimizes user experience by creating seamless transitions between spaces.
02
Insulated steel joists enhance structural durability while providing effective thermal insulation.
03
Natural stone fireplace serves as a central gathering point, reflecting local geology.
04
Spiral layout promotes accessibility and encourages interaction among users.
05
Observation deck offers elevated views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection to nature.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, the Hellir Cabin is designed to provide shelter and comfort for adventurers navigating the region’s extreme climate. The concept draws inspiration from natural caves, employing an extruded cave form that mirrors the geological features of the landscape. The design prioritizes user interaction with the surrounding environment while ensuring functionality, emphasizing warmth and accessibility as central elements.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement
The cabin's layout is strategically organized around a central fireplace, serving as a communal hub that fosters social interaction. The first floor includes easily accessible changing rooms, shower facilities, and a rest area, all oriented to promote ease of movement and accessibility. On the second floor, an observation deck allows guests to experience panoramic views of the landscape and auroras, further enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior environments. This arrangement not only supports individual relaxation and wellness but also encourages communal gathering, thereby enriching the user experience.

### Material and Façade Design
Material selection plays a crucial role in establishing the cabin's relationship with its natural surroundings. Insulated steel joists provide structural support, while double-glazed windows ensure thermal efficiency without compromising on daylight intake. The use of wood cladding on the interior adds warmth, contrasting with the exterior's resilient materials designed to withstand harsh weather. The building’s façades feature gentle curves, reflecting local landforms and contributing to its organic aesthetic. The white exterior facades are effective in blending with the snow-covered landscape, promoting ecological harmony.

Interior spaces are characterized by a meticulous balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The fireplace, designed as a central gathering point, draws users together, imbuing the space with a sense of comfort reminiscent of natural hearths. Spa facilities and water features provide additional layers of tranquility, enhancing the overall wellness experience within this retreat.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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