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Rammed Earth Walls and Patina Steel Elevate a Community-Centric Ski Retreat

Authors:
Hyun Lee, Hyunwoo Ha, Jongho Moon
Rammed Earth Walls and Patina Steel Elevate a Community-Centric Ski Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth and durable patina steel, the ski cabin serves as a communal retreat that fosters social interaction and connection amidst Iceland’s winter landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth, providing thermal mass and insulation.
02
The facade incorporates patina steel for durability and aesthetic contrast with snow.
03
Features a central fireplace designed to foster communal interaction among visitors.
04
Includes outdoor lounge areas for immersive experiences in the natural surroundings.
05
Integrates a geothermal heating system for sustainable climate control and efficiency.

The Open Hearth ski cabin is a contemporary architectural project located in the rugged landscapes of Iceland. Designed to serve as a community gathering space, the cabin provides accommodations and various facilities for visitors engaging in winter sports. Central to the design is a large fireplace, which acts as a focal point for interaction and relaxation. The cabin's layout encourages social engagement while allowing for individual spaces of quietude, catering to diverse user needs in a snow-covered environment.

Unique Approach to Spatial Configuration and Materiality

A key aspect of the Open Hearth’s design is its emphasis on functionality merged with an inviting atmosphere. The central location of the fireplace promotes activities around it, reinforcing the concept of warmth and community interaction. The use of a slanted metal roof facilitates natural daylight while enabling views of the surrounding auroras, integrating indoor and outdoor experiences. This connection between architecture and the natural environment enhances user engagement with the landscape.

Material selection plays a critical role in the project's design integrity. The facade features black patina stainless steel, providing a durable and modern appearance that contrasts with the white snow. Locally sourced rammed earth, composed of volcanic soil, forms the structural walls, grounding the building in its geographical context. Indoor areas utilize warm wooden elements and functional concrete to enhance comfort and usability. The inclusion of waterproof foam glass insulation ensures thermal efficiency, which is vital in extreme weather conditions.

Functionality and User Experience

The layout of the Open Hearth ski cabin is systematically designed to serve multiple functions, enhancing the overall user experience. Zones within the cabin include equipment storage and changing areas, interactive information points, and designated rest zones, ensuring seamless transitions between skiing activities and relaxation. Outdoor lounge areas extend the available space, promoting another layer of community engagement.

The design also prioritizes sustainability, incorporating a geothermal heating system that utilizes local resources to maintain efficient climate control. This approach minimizes environmental impact while supporting the building's operational needs.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and unique design ideas behind the Open Hearth project, interested parties are encouraged to explore the project presentation. These documents provide in-depth details and visual representations that illustrate the careful thought and planning that went into creating this ski cabin, setting a benchmark for future architectural projects in similar contexts.

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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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