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Turf Cabins with Perforated Roofs for Stargazing in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Anakaren Muñoz Franco
Turf Cabins with Perforated Roofs for Stargazing in Icelandic Landscape
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Perforated roofs designed for stargazing complement the turf and timber cabins set against Iceland's rugged landscape, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated roofs allow unobstructed views of the Aurora Borealis from inside the cabins.
02
Cabins use traditional turf construction for enhanced thermal insulation.
03
Each guest house is designed as an independent module to promote privacy.
04
Local stone and timber are sourced from the surrounding landscape for sustainability.
05
An outdoor hot tub provides relaxation while connecting guests with nature.

Vogafjós Deluxe is located in Iceland, designed to connect its inhabitants with the surrounding nature. The complex includes one main cabin and eight guest houses, providing an intimate atmosphere that encourages relaxation and exploration. Each element of the design is focused on privacy and comfort, allowing guests to engage with the unique landscape.

Architecture Concept
The design aims to offer a personalized experience for every guest through the use of separate modules. Each cabin is thoughtfully positioned to promote movement throughout the area, inviting visitors to explore the natural environment. This arrangement balances the need for solitude with opportunities for interaction, ensuring a tranquil setting that supports the connection with nature.

Cabin Features
The guest cabins are equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. The first floor includes a kitchenette, bathroom, living room, and a breakfast table, while the second floor features a sleeping area and a wardrobe. An outdoor hot tub adds to the relaxation options, providing a space for guests to unwind while enjoying the outdoors. The design focuses on both practicality and the beauty of the surroundings.

Materiality and Construction
Vogafjós Deluxe uses traditional building techniques from Iceland, incorporating materials sourced locally. This includes local stone, timber, and turf, chosen for their ability to provide insulation and resilience against the local climate. The careful selection of these materials reflects a respect for local craftsmanship and the natural environment. The buildings stand as a testament to both modern design and the region’s heritage.

Design Outcome and Detail
The main cabin serves as a communal area, featuring a front desk, common living room, and a small restaurant to encourage interaction among guests. This central hub contrasts with the private guest houses, enhancing the overall experience. A defining feature of the cabins is their perforated roofs, which allow those inside to view the Aurora Borealis at night. This design detail connects occupants to the enchanting night sky and enhances the feeling of being immersed in nature.

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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
Prize 100,000 €
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