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Turf Roof Cabins Featuring Natural Stone and Timber Integration in Icelandic Landscape

Turf Roof Cabins Featuring Natural Stone and Timber Integration in Icelandic Landscape
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Nestled beneath a living turf roof, the cabins seamlessly integrate local stone and timber into the rugged Icelandic landscape, offering a sustainable retreat for visitors seeking connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs evolve into living ecosystems, promoting biodiversity while insulating the cabins.
02
Local stone is utilized for foundational support, enhancing durability against harsh weather.
03
Timber elements draw from traditional Icelandic building techniques, creating a regional architectural identity.
04
Cabins are strategically positioned for optimal views, integrating seamlessly with the landscape.
05
Communal outdoor spaces foster social interaction among visitors while maintaining privacy.

### Overview
The Mývatn Turf Cabin project comprises four individual cabins situated in the Mývatn region of Iceland. This initiative aims to establish a connection between the built environment and the natural landscape, promoting an immersive experience that reflects the area's unique geographic features. The design is rooted in sustainability while drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses.

### Adaptive Material Use
The project employs a deliberate selection of materials tailored to both functional and aesthetic needs. Turf is primarily used in the roofing systems, providing insulation and visually anchoring the cabins to the grassy terrain. Locally sourced stone forms the structural base, offering durability and climate resilience, while timber, utilized in the frame construction, imparts warmth and a traditional character. The diversity of timber cladding includes deep red metal corrugated panels and black vertical timber, enhancing visual contrast and cohesion.

### Spatial Configuration
The design features a split-volume arrangement for each cabin, characterized by pitched roofs that follow the contours of the surrounding topography. This form creates a varied skyline while optimizing sightlines and fostering user engagement with the landscape. Communal spaces, such as outdoor terraces and a strategically positioned viewing platform, promote social interaction and ensure that each cabin benefits from ample sunlight, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. The overall layout supports both privacy and community engagement, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the site's context.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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