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Translucent Polycarbonate Shelter Merged with Volcanic Pebble Aesthetics for Communal Accommodations

Authors:
Sophie Mccarthy, Fiona Kirkwood
Translucent Polycarbonate Shelter Merged with Volcanic Pebble Aesthetics for Communal Accommodations
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The seamless integration of translucent polycarbonate and locally sourced volcanic pebble creates a unique visual experience in a communal shelter designed to accommodate hikers in the Icelandic wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes polycarbonate cladding for enhanced light diffusion and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates locally sourced volcanic pebble for a natural aesthetic and climate resilience.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Orientation optimized for northern views, enhancing visibility of natural phenomena.
05
Includes operable panels for natural ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial climate control.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the "Iceland Spar" serves as a way-finding hut for hikers and travelers, designed to resonate with the region's geological characteristics and the historical navigation practices of the Vikings. Its form combines prismatic transparency with functional elements, established within the context of Iceland's dramatic landscape, which includes glaciers, mountains, and distinctive light conditions.

### Spatial Strategy
The hut's spatial organization enhances user experience while allowing for natural light and environmental interaction. The ground floor features a lobby leading to a shared sleeping area for up to ten individuals, designed with volcanic-rock cladding to provide a calming environment during the cold nights. On the first floor, washing facilities are arranged in a semi-open layout, benefiting from daylight filtered through polycarbonate cladding. The second floor functions as a communal living space, promoting social interaction with high ceilings and expansive views. A roof terrace on the third floor offers panoramic vistas, strategically oriented to highlight natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights.

### Material and Structural Integrity
The material palette emphasizes durability and sustainability, incorporating polycarbonate cladding for its lightweight properties and natural light diffusion. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is utilized for structural support, providing strength while harmonizing aesthetically with the landscape. A volcanic pebble finish at the base integrates the hut with its surroundings, while operable panels facilitate natural ventilation. The structural system employs innovative timber bracing strategies, maximizing strength without adding excessive weight, ensuring a robust yet visually appealing frame that responds to the environmental challenges of the area.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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