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Huts Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in Remote Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Daniel Rostan, Marcus Schaarschmidt, Max Umbach, Max Umbach, Max Umbach
Huts Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in Remote Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from cross-laminated timber panels and accented with charred wooden shingles, these huts offer sustainable accommodation for hikers in Iceland’s remote terrain, emphasizing environmental sensitivity and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Modular construction allows for efficient transport and minimal environmental impact.
05
Integrated green roofs contribute to insulation and rainwater management.

The Nordurljos huts represent a thoughtful response to the unique challenges posed by Iceland's remote landscapes. This architectural project focuses on providing sustainable and comfortable accommodation for hikers exploring the rugged terrain. By integrating natural materials and energy-efficient systems, the design emphasizes harmony with the environment while offering essential amenities. The huts serve as a model for modern architecture that respects both the land and the local culture.

Sustainable Material Usage The project utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Wood cladding provides warmth and comfort while reflecting traditional Icelandic building practices. Stone bases enhance structural integrity and thermal mass, reducing energy consumption by stabilizing indoor temperatures. Additionally, green roof systems not only insulate the structures but also manage rainwater runoff, reinforcing the project’s sustainable approach.

Community-Centric Design Designed with communal spaces in mind, the project emphasizes social interaction among guests. The central community center includes shared cooking facilities and gathering areas, fostering a sense of connection while maintaining individual privacy in the sleeping modules. This spatial organization allows guests to engage with each other and the surrounding environment meaningfully. Such design creates an inclusive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of staying in the huts.

Unique Architectural Approaches The architectural approach taken in the Nordurljos project incorporates modular construction techniques, allowing for efficient prefabrication and minimal site disruption. This adaptability ensures that the units can be transported to challenging locations, demonstrating a novel solution to accessibility in remote areas. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar panels, provides the huts with self-sufficiency while aligning with a zero-waste philosophy. These design elements distinguish the Nordurljos huts from other accommodation projects in similar landscapes.

For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that comprise the Nordurljos project, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. This exploration will provide further insights into the innovative strategies applied in this architectural endeavor.

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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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