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Grjótagjá Landscape Framed by Corten Steel and Precast Stone Integration

Authors:
Youngeun Cho, Yuk Ying Tsoi, Huyen Anh Do
Grjótagjá Landscape Framed by Corten Steel and Precast Stone Integration
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Constructed with corten steel and rough stone panels, the design immerses visitors in the landscapes of Iceland while providing a dedicated space for cultural engagement related to the Game of Thrones series.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates geothermal heating, utilizing local energy resources.
02
External staircases provide varied viewpoints of Hverfjall volcano and Grjótagjá cave.
03
The design includes an immersive theatre that enhances audience engagement with the narrative.
04
Corten steel accents contrast with precast stone panels for a modern aesthetic.
05
Triple glazing in the lounge maximizes natural light while improving energy efficiency.

The Game of Thrones Movie Centre is located in the North of Iceland and serves as a cultural destination for fans of the popular television series. The design focuses on creating a hidden main space that invites exploration, reflecting themes found within the series. The architecture integrates well with the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to connect with both the natural elements and the narratives of the show.

Architectural Layout

The layout of the building is carefully designed to promote movement between indoors and outdoors. Visitors can enter through either the main or side entrance, which leads into a spacious lobby. This lobby serves as a transition space, helping to manage indoor temperature and ensuring visitor comfort as they travel through the building.



Landscape Engagement

Vertical connections are important in the design, as external staircases lead to viewpoints that reveal broad views of significant sites like Hverfjall volcano and Grjótagjá cave. These carefully placed viewpoints encourage visitors to engage with their surroundings while discovering different perspectives of the landscape as they explore the centre.



Functionality and Experience

The underground level is the central area of the structure, housing key spaces such as an immersive theatre and a traditional screening room. The immersive theatre is designed to encourage participation from the audience, while the traditional theatre displays highlights from the series. This combination caters to varying visitor interests, enhancing the overall experience within the centre.



Materiality and Energy Efficiency

The materials selected for the building reflect the local environment. The primary wall features precast rough stone panels that are functional and visually appealing. Corten steel is used for accents near the entrance, providing a modern contrast. The front wall is made of natural beige marble stone, adding warmth to the design. Triple glass glazing is used in the lounge area to enhance natural light and improve energy efficiency, while grey paving stone is incorporated into the circulation paths to unify the exterior spaces.



A geothermal heating system has been included in the design, which is common practice in the region. This feature supports energy efficiency while maintaining a comfortable environment for visitors. The use of natural light in the cafeteria through a skylight enriches the space and underscores the connection between the architecture and the Icelandic landscape. A focus on sustainability and environmental integration highlights the building's commitment to providing an enriched experience for those who visit.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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