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Tree-Integrated Design Featuring Natural Stone and Glass Walls for a Ski Retreat

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Tree-Integrated Design Featuring Natural Stone and Glass Walls for a Ski Retreat
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Integrating existing trees into a robust structure of natural stone and glass, the design offers a sustainable ski retreat that harmonizes with its pristine Icelandic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates existing trees into the living spaces, enhancing both aesthetics and ecology.
02
Constructed with natural stone for durability and thermal efficiency in a harsh climate.
03
Utilizes large glass panels to maximize views while providing passive solar heating.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that reduces wind resistance and snow buildup.
05
Includes an indoor garden that promotes biophilic design principles.

# Ski Snow Cabin Unit - Iceland

## Overview

The Ski Snow Cabin Unit is located in Iceland, strategically positioned to enhance its natural surroundings while providing a functional living space. The design emphasizes sustainability, practicality, and integration with the landscape, reflecting contemporary architectural practices that prioritize environmental harmony and modern living standards.

## Spatial Organization and User Functionality

The layout of the cabin is designed to maximize usability, providing distinct functional areas that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. It features a cozy living room with a fireplace, an open kitchen and dining area that fosters social interaction, and private sleeping quarters that evoke comfort while maintaining a connection to nature. The flexible, open-concept arrangement supports various activities, from relaxation after outdoor pursuits to hosting gatherings. Included within the plan is a maintenance garage, addressing the practical needs for winter sports equipment storage.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Material choices reflect durability, sustainability, and a commitment to aesthetic coherence with the natural environment. Natural stone, specifically limestone or basalt, lines both exterior and interior walls, contributing to insulation and weather resistance while echoing the rugged landscape. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light penetration and provides unobstructed views of the surroundings, establishing a visual dialogue between the interior and exterior. Wood elements, aligned with local construction traditions, may incorporate sustainable timber for structural and finishing details. Concrete, likely utilized in foundational aspects, offers stability, and steel fixtures are employed to ensure structural integrity against harsh climatic conditions.

The design's unique feature of integrating existing trees not only enriches the aesthetic of the cabin but also contributes positively to air quality and the local ecosystem. Additionally, the inclusion of an indoor garden promotes biophilic design principles, connecting occupants with nature and enhancing the overall ambiance. These elements, combined with careful site planning and optimal material selection, exemplify a thoughtful approach to architecture in a challenging environment.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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