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Graywater-Integrated Facility with Geothermal Features and GRC Cladding
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With its graywater management system and GRC cladding, this facility seamlessly integrates sustainable practices into its design, offering a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts in the ecologically rich Mývatn region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated graywater management system used for garden irrigation.
02
GRC cladding mimics local geological formations for visual integration.
03
Observation decks strategically placed for optimal views of the Northern Lights.
04
Native plant landscaping enhances local biodiversity and ecology.
05
Geothermal energy source utilized for sustainable heating.

**Overview**
Mývatn Refuge is located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, characterized by its striking volcanic landscape and ecological diversity. The design intention is to provide a functional space that serves both human visitors and local wildlife while incorporating environmentally sensitive solutions. Positioned near Lake Mývatn and the Krafla Caldera, the structure aims to foster outdoor engagement and promote a deeper connection with the surrounding natural environment, including views of the Aurora Borealis.

**Architectural Strategy**
The spatial organization of the refuge prioritizes accessibility and interaction, featuring a central rest area that functions as a communal hub for visitors. The layout includes essential facilities such as a garage, storage areas, and an observation deck that enhances the overall user experience within the context of various outdoor activities. Garden pockets integrated into the site not only beautify the landscape, but also utilize graywater for irrigation, reflecting the commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices.

**Material Selection and Environmental Integration**
The building employs a range of materials specifically chosen for their environmental adaptability and aesthetic qualities. Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) forms the exterior shell, allowing for organic shapes that reflect the surrounding geology, while galvanized steel studs ensure structural resilience against the region's harsh weather conditions. Interior finishes are designed to provide warmth, counterbalancing the cooler external climate. Innovations include a graywater management system drawn from local ecological patterns, promoting a closed-loop method for water use that benefits the surrounding landscape.

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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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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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