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Recycled Wood Integration and Green Roofs Amid Iceland's Thermal Caves

Authors:
Sergio Hernández Martos, Ignacio Montes Montero, María De La Luz Frías Piñero
Recycled Wood Integration and Green Roofs Amid Iceland's Thermal Caves
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Built with recycled wood and topped with green roofs, the structure seamlessly blends into Iceland’s rift landscape while serving as a hub for visitors exploring the nearby thermal caves.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled wood panels are used throughout the structure to enhance sustainability.
02
Green roofs are designed to integrate with the natural landscape and promote biodiversity.
03
A double water system captures rainwater for building use while managing gray water for irrigation.
04
An observation tower offers strategic views of the surrounding geological features.
05
Pedestrian pathways facilitate direct access to the thermal caves, enhancing visitor engagement.

The Iceland Cave Tower is located in a unique geological area in Iceland, marked by the rift created by two tectonic plates. This distinctive setting serves as an important backdrop for a design that aims to enhance visitor interaction with the region's thermal caves. The design concept focuses on blending architecture with the natural surroundings, encouraging exploration while respecting the delicate environment.

Concept and Design Integration
The design emphasizes a connection between the architecture and the landscape. A network of pedestrian pathways guides visitors through key areas, allowing them to engage with the thermal caves and surrounding nature. This approach promotes movement and exploration, offering individuals a close-up experience of Iceland's geological features. The layout is carefully planned to ensure accessibility, making it easy for visitors to navigate and enjoy the site.

Functional Elements
Key components of the design include a reception building with an observation tower that serves as the main entry point. This structure helps orient visitors while providing views of the impressive geological formations in the area. An observation deck is thoughtfully placed within the layout to allow guests to appreciate the landscape from different perspectives. Additionally, parking and intervention areas have been integrated to support visitor access, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural landscape.

Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is a significant focus of the design, reflected in both material choices and environmental management techniques. Wood panels made from recycled materials are utilized, aiming to reduce environmental impact and highlight ecological awareness. Extensive green roofs and efficient drainage systems are incorporated, further emphasizing the commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the area’s natural resources.

Water Resource Management
The design also features a double water system that reduces stress on the local aquifer. This system captures rainwater for use in the building and filters gray water for irrigation. Such measures demonstrate an understanding of water conservation, ensuring that the building meets visitor needs while promoting ecological balance.

The observation deck provides clear views across the landscape, framed by the natural edges of the rift, allowing visitors to connect with the geological heritage of Iceland.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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