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Geothermal Facility Featuring Triangular Roof And Charred Wooden Shingles for Nature Observation

Author:
Altanzul barkhas
Geothermal Facility Featuring Triangular Roof And Charred Wooden Shingles for Nature Observation

Project in-detail

The triangular roof design and charred wooden shingles create a distinctive silhouette that harmonizes with the volcanic landscape, serving as a functional hub for nature observation and brewing activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure, optimizing natural light and views.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels create a lightweight yet robust construction.
04
The facility integrates geothermal energy for sustainable heating and cooling.
05
A circular footprint enhances spatial flow and fosters connectivity with the landscape.

The "New Crater/Rootless Cone" project is an architectural design located in the volcanic region near Lake Mývatn, Iceland. This facility engages with its surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from the volcanic craters characteristic of the area. The architecture presents a seamless integration of built form and nature, aimed at providing a space for nature observation and brewing activities while enhancing engagement with the geological context of the locale.

The design features a circular footprint that facilitates unhindered views of the striking volcanic formations. A key aspect of the facility is its roof, designed in the shape of triangular prisms, symbolizing a crater and allowing natural light to flood interior spaces. This thoughtful architectural form encourages visitors to connect with the landscape, promoting both leisure and educational experiences regarding Iceland’s geological heritage.

Unique Architectural Approaches

What sets the "New Crater/Rootless Cone" apart from other architectural projects is its deep-rooted connection to the natural environment and the careful consideration of materiality. The building employs reinforced concrete for its structural integrity, while expansive glass panels create transparency, providing direct sightlines to the surrounding terrain. Wood accents contribute warmth to the interior spaces while ensuring a tactile relationship with the environment.

The layout is strategically organized into specific functional zones, including a brewing area, nature observation spaces, and social areas such as cafés and lounges. This zoning approach not only enhances visitor experience but also fosters social interaction within the context of the beautiful Icelandic landscape. Furthermore, sustainable practices are integrated through the use of geothermal energy, complementing the building design while minimizing environmental impact.

Design Details and Functionality

The architectural design incorporates elements that optimize usability and efficiency within a natural setting. The project emphasizes bioclimatic design principles, ensuring that spaces remain comfortable and inviting, regardless of external weather conditions. High-performance insulation materials are utilized to maintain energy efficiency, aligning the building’s operational functions with sustainable methodologies.

Through its unique design and thoughtful integration with the landscape, the New Crater/Rootless Cone stands out as not merely a structure but as a catalyst for cultural and experiential engagement with the region’s geological formations. For those interested in further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas, a comprehensive exploration of the project presentation reveals essential details and considerations that went into this distinctive architectural endeavor. It is recommended to investigate these aspects to appreciate the project’s full scope and impact.

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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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