Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Cabin Utilizing Galvanized Steel and Concrete for Resilience in Icelandic Wilderness

Author:
Regina Martinez De Juambelz
Sustainable Cabin Utilizing Galvanized Steel and Concrete for Resilience in Icelandic Wilderness
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Combining galvanized steel and concrete, this cabin offers a durable and eco-conscious retreat designed to withstand the challenges of the Icelandic wilderness while providing essential shelter for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with rainwater harvesting integrated into the gabled roof design.
02
Features a composting toilet system to minimize water usage.
03
Utilizes local materials, including concrete and galvanized steel, for environmental compatibility.
04
Offers modular furniture for versatile use within a compact space.
05
Incorporates skylights to enhance natural light and passive heating.

## Project Overview

The Hugrekki Cabin is situated in Iceland and designed to serve as a shelter for adventurers in remote environments. This architectural endeavor reflects a commitment to harmony with the natural landscape, integrating adaptability and comfort through a minimalistic approach. The structure is intended for varied uses, including recreation and everyday living, while capturing elements inherent to Icelandic culture.

## Geographical Context and Resilience

The design account for Iceland's rugged terrain and challenging weather patterns. The strategic orientation of the cabin is tailored to withstand extreme winds and variable precipitation. A gabled roof facilitates efficient rainwater management, while the chosen materials enhance both durability and aesthetic appeal within this demanding environment.

## Form, Materiality, and Sustainability

The cabin incorporates a straightforward yet impactful design, employing:

- **Concrete**: For structural support and aesthetic warmth.
- **Wood**: As a finishing element that provides both texture and strength.
- **Recycled Galvanized Steel**: Utilized in washbasin and shower areas, highlighting eco-friendly construction practices.

A slanted roof integrates a rainwater harvesting system and maximizes natural light through strategically placed skylights, reducing energy usage and enhancing the interior environment.

Internally, the layout is modular, featuring a multifunctional main room that supports diverse activities, including dining and socializing. Private areas offer comfort and flexibility, ensuring each aspect of daily life, from resting to cooking, is thoughtfully accommodated within the cabin's compact dimensions.

Sustainability is a core principle, demonstrated by features such as a rainwater harvesting system that collects water for reuse, a composting toilet that minimizes potable water consumption, and large windows that optimize solar access for natural heating and lighting.

This architectural initiative exemplifies the intersection of usability, environmental respect, and cultural reflection, showcasing a unique approach to sustainable design in a remote context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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.

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy