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Tilted Cabins Crafted from Natural Wood and Concrete Offering Uninterrupted Views of the Northern Sky

Author:
Nathalie Groot Kormelink
Tilted Cabins Crafted from Natural Wood and Concrete Offering Uninterrupted Views of the Northern Sky
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Tilted cabins, constructed with a combination of timber and concrete, provide expansive views of the Northern sky, creating a unique residential experience that emphasizes stargazing and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tilted design optimizes celestial views for stargazing.
02
Combination of cross-laminated timber and concrete enhances structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Flexible interior layouts accommodate varied guest needs and functions.
05
Dedicated outdoor viewing decks promote engagement with the surrounding landscape.

## Project Overview
Located in an expansive Icelandic landscape, the cabin design emphasizes a connection between its occupants and the natural environment, particularly the night sky. The intent is to create functional living spaces that enhance the experience of stargazing and aurora viewing. The cabins' orientation and structural form are central to this vision, allowing for unique spatial interactions while addressing environmental considerations.

## Architectural Form and Spatial Orientation
The design incorporates a slight tilt in each cabin, which serves to optimize views of the celestial surroundings. This angularity not only influences the structures' silhouettes but also aligns with the project’s overarching theme of aiming skyward. Each cabin features large windows oriented towards the Northern sky, ensuring panoramic views of the auroras. The varying sizes of cabins accommodate small to medium-sized groups, providing flexibility in layout while maintaining a consistent external appearance.

## Material Choices and Environmental Integration
Sustainable construction materials play a crucial role in the project’s design ethos. Timber frame construction ensures a breathable façade, promoting a healthy internal climate while harmonizing with the natural aesthetics of the landscape. Natural wood insulation enhances energy efficiency and minimizes humidity, while concrete blocks provide stability and reduce soil damage. Extensive use of glass for large windows allows natural light to penetrate the interiors, fostering a connection to the exterior while minimizing heat gain.

The landscape strategy reflects a commitment to ecological balance by minimizing the footprint of construction and integrating native plant species to enhance privacy and promote local biodiversity. Additionally, thoughtfully designed waste management systems underscore the project's sustainability principles.

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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.

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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