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A Modular System for off-Grid Communal Living
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Designed to respond to the demands of remote habitation, the work addresses housing flexibility within Iceland’s variable climatic and geographic conditions. It considers ecological performance, spatial adaptability, and modular construction as key factors in supporting off-grid living for a diverse user base.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design accommodates various household sizes.
02
Units support both individual privacy and communal living.
03
Indoor gardens promote small-scale food production.
04
Aluminum panels provide insulation for harsh weather.
05
Convertible furniture enhances adaptable internal spaces.

Located within Iceland’s remote and often challenging landscapes, F.O.L.D. responds to the growing need for adaptable and sustainable housing. The project is structured around a modular approach that accommodates various household sizes and income levels. Each unit is designed to function autonomously while maintaining the potential for interconnectivity, supporting both individual privacy and collective living.

Material Strategy and Environmental Response
The material palette reflects priorities of durability, efficiency, and environmental performance. A steel frame establishes structural stability with minimal weight, while aluminum composite panels contribute to insulation and resistance against harsh weather conditions. Generous glazing introduces natural light and supports passive ventilation, addressing the subdued daylight typical of the Icelandic climate. Interior finishes include plywood partitions and timber elements that generate visual warmth, while select components incorporate recycled materials to support circular construction practices.

Flexible Spatial Configuration
Internal spaces are arranged for adaptability, employing convertible furniture and sliding partitions to shift between private and communal uses. Indoor gardens are integrated into each module, establishing a sensory connection with the natural environment and supporting small-scale food production. The positioning and stacking of units consider both environmental orientation and topographic conditions, with varied wall textures providing visual differentiation across the built ensemble. These features collectively support a flexible framework tailored to evolving user needs.

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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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