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Gabion and Driftwood Structure Emphasizing Community Engagement

Author:
Willie Fangrianto
Gabion and Driftwood Structure Emphasizing Community Engagement
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Constructed with local basalt and driftwood, the visitor centre integrates flexible exhibition spaces and a welcoming café, fostering community interaction within the natural landscape of Reykjah.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced basalt and driftwood.
02
Flexible exhibition spaces with rotatable walls for adaptability.
03
Design incorporates natural contours to separate circulation from usable areas.
04
Continuous pathways connect main facilities, enhancing accessibility.
05
Outdoor area features seating and a playground to engage visitors with nature.

The Þríleik Visitor Centre is located in the beautiful landscape of Reykjah and serves as a hub for visitors exploring the area. It consists of three main buildings: an exhibition center, a café, and an administration office. Each building has a distinct function, yet they work together to create a cohesive design. The overall concept emphasizes a connection to the natural surroundings, allowing the structures to blend with the topography.

Exhibition Center

The exhibition center features two primary spaces: an exhibition room that displays various exhibits and an auditorium used for lectures and presentations. Designed with flexibility in mind, these areas have walls that can be rotated to serve different purposes. Large sliding full-height windows are part of the design, allowing for natural light to fill the spaces and providing views of the nearby lake, enhancing the experience for visitors.


Café

Accessibility is a key element in the café's design. Ramps lead from the car park to the dining area, restrooms, and kitchen, ensuring easy access for all visitors. The café provides a pleasant environment for guests to relax and socialize. Similar to the exhibition center, its large rotating windows help create an open feeling, making it welcoming during busy times.


Administration Office

The administration office acts as a center for visitor information and assistance. It includes office spaces and restrooms with showers, addressing the needs of staff while ensuring a consistent design throughout the center. This functional space complements the overall visitor experience, making navigation easy and direct.


Natural Elements

A pathway connects all parts of the visitor centre, including the drop-off area, car park, and entrances to hiking trails. Made from driftwood sourced from northern Iceland, it reinforces the project’s natural theme while encouraging visitors to explore the landscape further. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability, using materials such as LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) for structural components and sheep's wool for insulation.

The outdoor area features a playground and seating, designed to encourage interaction among visitors. This space bridges the indoor and outdoor environments, allowing guests to engage with the rich surroundings.

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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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