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Glass Domes and Charred Wood Create Cohesive Trekking Shelters in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Jennifer Minjee Son
Glass Domes and Charred Wood Create Cohesive Trekking Shelters in Icelandic Landscape
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Constructed with glass domes and charred wood, these modular trekking shelters provide a sustainable and integrated living experience within the rugged Icelandic landscape for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a combination of glass domes and charred wood, optimizing thermal performance and aesthetics.
02
Each modular unit is prefabricated for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing flexibility in seasonal use.
03
Incorporates renewable energy systems, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, for self-sufficiency.
04
The bent A-frame design enhances stability while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Emphasizes communal interaction with designated shared spaces, fostering connections among trekkers.

## Project Overview
Located throughout Iceland, the architectural design comprises a series of trekking caves intended to enrich the outdoor trekking experience within the country's diverse landscapes. The project is conceived with a commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between built structures and their natural contexts. These caves provide essential shelter while facilitating a deeper engagement with Iceland's remarkable vistas.

## Modular Design and Integration
The trekking caves employ a modular and prefabricated construction approach, termed "Core & Shell Assemble." This method allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, adapting to seasonal requirements for temporary accommodations. Each cave unit is designed with a focus on transparency, incorporating features such as glass domes that offer expansive views while ensuring protection from the elements. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, underscores the project’s dedication to sustainable living.

## Material Selection and Spatial Organization
Material choices play a pivotal role in achieving both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Glass-reinforced plastic is utilized for the dome structures, providing both translucency and necessary structural support. Each unit includes prefabricated facilities designed to meet varying user needs, including distinct kitchen, seating, and sleeping areas, and a separate bathroom unit. The spatial arrangement is strategically organized to foster movement and interaction, with a central core linking to different zones while maximizing natural light and scenic views. The overall design promotes a communal atmosphere while ensuring privacy in sleeping quarters, enhancing the overall user experience.

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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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