Architecture Competition Winners | Hall of Fame

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CLOSED COMPETITION WINNERS

This page is a celebration of the best architectural designs from our international architecture competitions.

These designs represent the best in creativity, innovation, and sustainability.

According to Icelandic legend, three trolls lived on Reynisfjara beach, which only came out of their caves at night. One time, they came out at dawn, and the sunlight turned them into rocks - today called Reynisdrangar.
I came up with a continuation of the legend. Excluding the above-mentioned trolls, there was also a troll that was different from them. Each day, under the cover of night he was going out to the black beach to admire the nature. One night elves needed his help with moving the rocks. Working for so long made him forget time, thus sunlight turned him into a rock spire.
This whole story and the special place of the beach became a contribution to my project. The troll's admiration of the Icelandic nature, as well as the form of volcanic rock spires, prompted me to give the designed object the shape of an ascending spiral. Thanks to the the external ramp, both sighted and visually-impaired people will be able to experience the surroundings with all their senses. Walking on the ramp, will allow for the opportunity of landscape admiration with a 360-degree view, while smelling the Ocean and feeling the power of the wind, hearing the sound of waves or singing puffins. A spiral ramp, tapering upward, leads to the top, where there is not only a recess sheltered from the wind and noise but also a skylight. Standing there, a blind person can listen to the sounds of Iceland, while sighted people can focus on the sky.
In the aforementioned recess, a skylight was designed through which light reaches the lowest floor. Such a shaft of light is a landmark in the facility for people with a sense of light. A tube under the skylight was designed as the core-construction of the entire facility.
A reception area, exhibition space and seating areas were designed on the ground floor level.
An interior ramp from the ground floor level can be used to access the mezzanine level, where the café and dining areas are located, from where an unobstructed Ocean view can be seen.
The internal ramp also provides access to the SPA area. In the central place, an internal pool was designed, located just below the skylight. Stepping on the floor with bare feet, guests will feel the cold pebbles - as if they were walking on a black beach.
The leisure area has been illuminated with daylight through a designed depression in the ground. Thanks to this, people with a sense of light are guided through the facility thanks to the interaction of light and architecture. Next to the relaxation area, taps with glacier drinking water were designed. SPA level is connected with the geothermal outdoor pools and the stone garden – a reference to the legend.
In conclusion, the entire facility was designed on the basis of external and internal ramps, to eliminate potential accidents. Additionally, the external spiral path to the facility will provide a sensory experience for hearing, smell and touch.

Honourable Mention

Volcanic Visitor Centre Iceland Competition

In order to present different guiding effects in different node, the main body of the building should be sunk and attached to the same soil layer, which could reduce the interference to the environment at a long distance and preserve the integrity of the volcanic landscape.
Besides, the height of the different building block is adjusted according to their function and scale, so that they are visible enough to be guided for visitors when they approaching. The interior of the building offers a continuous view of the sea and a unique view of the volcanic landscape.
It's a quiet trip

Honourable Mention

Volcanic Visitor Centre Iceland Competition

F L O E T O N I Đ U R

Reynisfjara Beach delights us with raw and natural beauty. The project aimed to fit into the landscape by adjusting to the contour lines of Reynisfjara’s map. To accomplish this idea, we got the building close to the rock. The path becomes the main way of the project's expression. It starts with the car park, then splits in three directions. The first one leads through the building's interior. Then it allows going outside again. The second one bypasses the interior and leads us in front of the facade. The third is a smooth passage above the building because the building’s roof transforms into a viewpoint. All three paths cross behind the building, and because of that, we can continue our journey to the highlight, which is Reynisfjara Beach.
The building smoothly comes out of the basalt path. It is a stopover along the road. The building was designed to be a continuation of the path, to go along the horizon. Glass facade provides constant contact with nature. The material, which dominates the project, is local basalt. The shape of the building refers to Reynisfjara’s landscape. The building is based on rock, which parts are also inside. Layer benches were carved in rock to create space for tourists to sit and enjoy the ocean view with a cup of coffee. The rock is a quote of the natural landscape inside the building.
The idea of partially digging the building into the ground refers to traditional Icelandic architecture. Houses in Iceland were dug into the ground for ages. It ensured better thermal insulation and less building materials.
The network of paths in front of the building creates the impression of drifting floes on the ocean. Because of that, the word floe was used in the title. The Icelandic word NIĐUR means noise or sound. It leads us to the ocean. We can hear the ocean subtly at the beginning of the path, but the sound gradually increases while walking. Finally, it becomes very loud. Our senses are more and more stimulated while wandering along the path. While approaching the ocean, we can feel the growing strength of the wind and salty drops of water.
There are grooves on the surface of the path and the floor inside. They go along with the project. It is a system that helps blind people to move around. A blind person can put the end of a white cane in the groove to be subtly led through the building. Inside the groove, some hallows inform about forthcoming zones. The floor is subtly angled, so the visitor gradually goes up along the building. The swimming pool area is placed on flattening to ensure safety.
„Floe in NIĐUR” is strongly related to nature. Reynisfjara Beach became the main inspiration and the source of the idea. The building provides shelter and fulfils necessary functions, but does not compete with the uniqueness of this place.

Honourable Mention

Volcanic Visitor Centre Iceland Competition

The Volcanic Visitor Centre is an innovative architectural project that aims to provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors with visual impairments. The building is designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while also offering a range of sensory experiences for visitors.

The building's design is characterised by a series of tactile and auditory elements that enable visitors with visual impairments to explore and engage with the space. The exterior of the building features a textured facade made of black rock, providing visitors with a tactile experience as they approach the building. Roads in the site have an additional navigation path for the visually impaired that continues inside the building.

The Visitor Centre includes a seated reception area with information desk, a cafe, an exhibition area, a viewing area and a small geothermal heated plunge pool.

To provide an immersive experience and fully engage visually impaired people, Visitor Centre uses a range of technological solutions. With the help of a special ring equipped with the RFID tag, haptic feedback and connection to an audio headset, people could receive guidance through the building rooms and exhibition area.

The exhibition features three-dimensional layouts of the area around the Visitor Centre so that visually impaired people can feel the stunning landscapes of Reynisfjara Beach through sensory perception. The ring recognises the location of a person’s hand and gives audio information about the touching object. The ring uses commonly spread technologies, easy for disinfection and overall is economically viable.

The building’s interior is also equipped with a range of inclusive design solutions such as smell guidance, floor navigation, touch gallery and light ways. The building's design is intended to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors, ensuring efficient circulation and minimising a labyrinthine effect.

The Volcanic Visitor Center for visually impaired people in Iceland is an architectural project that demonstrates the potential of design to create inclusive and accessible spaces that engage the senses and inspire visitors.

2nd Prize

Volcanic Visitor Centre Iceland Competition

The Black Sand Beach has a very unusual atmosphere. Sharp rocks, black sand, large waves and basalt columns give the place a primitive, ascetic and mysterious spirit. Such a cold atmosphere scares and attracts tourists at the same time. Only in such places can a person feel like a primitive man who was left alone with nature. This is the main feeling that the project wants to convey to tourists.
The rocky walls and warm light in the interior create the atmosphere of a cave house, and the black polished metal embodies the future evolution of mankind. Panoramic glazing and transparent pylons erase the boundary between the indoor and outdoor environment. This allows you to combine the interior with nature, to give visitors a complete immersion in the environment. Smooth metal and embossed walls give a tactile connection to the visually impaired, which helps them feel the space. There are also ledges on the floor for them, which facilitate orientation and movement in the center. Tactile plaques with relief drawings are located around the pavilion. This makes it possible for the blind to imagine the surrounding natural landscapes and the image of the pavilion. Therefore, the image of the center has a simple form.
Iceland is known not only for its unique nature, but also for amazing animals. Some such animals are an integral part of Icelandic culture. One of these animals is a whale, the image of which is used in architecture.
The basis of the building layout is a ramp. This creates more convenient movement not only for the blind, but also for people with limited mobility. Also, the ramp facilitates orientation in the building, since all the premises of the center are visible from it. There is a cafe at the head of the building. Since there are strong tides on the beach, it is impossible to place the building close to the water. Therefore, the floor of the cafe is sunk into the ground to visually bring the cafe closer to the water. The remaining rooms are located in the underground floor. There is a museum under the cafe, which continues in a two-light space. The exhibits can also be viewed from above by walking along the ramp. The dining room is located in a separate part. In the dining room there are places for small groups of tourists and for large ones.

1st Prize

Volcanic Visitor Centre Iceland Competition

BRAILLE LIGHTHOUSE is a resort space for people with visual impairments. The spectrum of the visually impaired can be subdivided, and this space is for people of all spectrums. They perceive and experience buildings, starting with their tactile senses, and the accumulated experiences are expressed on the walls and facades of buildings, and the units on the walls are displayed all over the world to form a worldwide community.

The journey of the visitors begins when they arrive at the site, black sand beach reynisfjara, and are overwhelmed by the natural scenery, the sound of the waves, and the various smells of the sea. The vertical Retreat tower facing the Black sand beach shines as a lighthouse, constantly changing as users accumulate experiences. The light of Facade changes its shape through a mechanism in which users' experiences and traces are converted into data. Starting partly underground, the spa redefines the relationship of visitors to the site's nature by bringing in panoramic views of the Icelandic wilderness as a backdrop. While constantly communing with nature, Iceland's great nature is felt by some with their eyes and ears, and others with their nose and fingers. Climbing the tower, users read and experience the braille boxes with their fingers, and climb the tower leaving their traces. When they arrive at their respective rooms, they enjoy the panoramic view of Mother Nature and reach complete tranquility within it.

Braille boxes gather to form a module, and the modules gather to form a wall. The data accumulated on the wall reaches the lights of the façade through circuits, and the façade constantly changes as the number of users accumulates. Assorted modules are exhibited at different retreats around the world and form a community across the globe. The community formed in this way enhances the social awareness of visually impaired people.

Honourable Mention

Retreat for the Blind Iceland Competition

Lighthouse is not just a centre for the blind, but also a kind of navigator for tourists who find themselves on this beautiful island.

Our project is based on 6 main pillars, shedding light on each of them.
1. Light, where the rhythm of natural light and built-in light sources creates a friendly navigation for people with disabilities. 2.Tactile - it includes both Braille, where the whole building is readable from the masterplan, and by using the texture of Iceland's natural materials to convey information to the visually impaired. 3. Smell - will be a guide in each of the functional areas and create the right atmosphere. 4. Sound. The use of natural, non-intrusive sounds, such as falling drops and the babble of a creek, for the effect of interacting with nature. 5. Culture - using elements of traditional architecture inspired by the natural landscape and local materials. Also, the lobby of the Visitor Center has a prominent image of the rune "don't be afraid of the dark" that immediately immerses the visitor into the local flavor. 6. Feeling. It's something we can't smell, taste or see, but we can sense it. The 6th sense combines all the above principles and is responsible for making the visitor feel comfortable in any area of the building.

Honourable Mention

Retreat for the Blind Iceland Competition

The design challenge was to create both an adaptable space for the blind and visually impaired, as well as tourists visiting Iceland's Reynisfjara black beach. It is a place where people flock to admire the unique landscape, but beyond the incredible views, Iceland has much more to offer. The idea of a tower used by blind people is a manifesto to draw attention to the aspect of their exclusion - in this and similar places. The space is designed in such a way that it is experienced with all the senses and everyone can use it equally.
In the concept we adopted, the harsh landscape of the black beach was enriched with a dominant feature pointing the way for travelers. This is a reference to the archetype of the sea lighthouse, but designed in the opposite way - the bright spot is located at ground level in the form of a glazed, illuminated first floor. The black tower fades during the day, drowning in the haze and clouds. At night, the effect is the opposite. The upper part of the building is lost in the black sky, while the lower floors glow brightly from the light emitted and reflected from the water surface. The building has two functions and is similarly divided into two parts. One is a tourist Visit Centre located below ground level, the other is a Retreat for the blind in the form of a tower. Above the first floor, a hotel section was designed to house workshops, a spa, massage and aromatherapy rooms, and rooms accessible only to hotel guests and properly adapted for the blind. The visitor center building, hidden below ground level, is a shelter from harsh weather conditions and strong winds blowing near the ocean. The outdoor path is heated so that snow does not pile up on it, properly drained and illuminated. Although the lower part of the building is not visible at first glance, it is accessible to all users. This treatment was applied to emphasize the vertical form of the upper part of the hotel building and to introduce a unique atmosphere of the place. In the center there is a large entrance area, a reception area, a small art gallery displaying works made by workshop participants, a cafeteria, changing rooms and a restaurant with kitchen facilities available only to hotel guests.
An important aspect of the design, making it easier for people with vision problems to use the building, is the use of contrast. The facades of the above-ground part were made of black-tinted glass and the facades of the Tourist Centre used white glass with a texture of freezing water fading at the top edge of the ceiling. Throughout the building and its surroundings, a simple and clear plan solution was followed to facilitate movement and orientation. Blind paths were used in the floors, materials of varying textures, surfaces and furnishings that suppress reverberation, circulation and contrast of colors and light entering the building.

Public Favourite

Retreat for the Blind Iceland Competition

The main tasks during the creation of the retreat were to introduce inclusive design at all levels of use and to create a space that connects with the surrounding environment through the choice of design and materials. The project mythology partly stems from the medieval building culture of Scandinavia. The medieval Vikings' longhouses used to have an elongated form and columns on the outside of the building, often with a curved roof. This etymology turned out to be suitable for our concept because the whole building's structure is interpreted as a linear journey of the guests, with an opportunity to stop at certain open-space stations to experience something unique. In practice, it looks like a corridor mainly made of glass that envelops wooden buildings, each of which represents a separate building standing on wooden columns-piles that may protect the complex from flooding. The hotel-style accommodation buildings differ in their visual appearance, and a courtyard with special tactile activities appears here, such as hot sand therapy and an opportunity to walk on the grating over the sea, providing a way to feel and understand the surrounding nature for the visually impaired.

Throughout their stay in the retreat, guests use a special bracelet with a voice assistant and a system for executing various 'smart home' commands. For example, the bracelet vibrates when approaching the target, and a pair of soft-soled shoes is issued with it upon registration. Visually impaired people can feel the changing of the floor surface through these shoes as the surface changes depending on the function located nearby. Metal strips with heating extend along the entire trajectory of the corridor, and rougher coating replaces them near the entrance of the hotel rooms. Special elbow door handles are installed on the door. Some buildings are equipped with odor enhancers and thermal and sound portals. Stained-glass windows dominate the retreat, letting in a large amount of natural light that is comfortable for visually impaired people. The spa complex is aimed at developing tactile senses in a peaceful atmosphere. The underground part of the complex is carved from natural stone, and the pool uses water from the ocean.

The whole retreat operates with the help of geothermal energy in conjunction with a wave generator. We have developed a local geothermal energy supply system for the retreat. Thanks to this, floor heating and the operation of thermal portals are easily provided. The wave generator also lowers the power and height of sea waves, and compressed air from wave generators is used to heat water. Also, with the help of geothermal energy, we were able to establish a seaweed farm that produces a zero-carbon footprint and makes the retreat economically sustainable. The farm complements the main workshops and serves as an alternative to classic gardening therapy.

The whole design of the project is aimed at building an island of safety in the harsh nature of Iceland, a place where every person, regardless of special needs, feels peaceful, free, and comfortable. By creating a barrier-free environment, different people will be able to share the experience of perception at different levels of sensory use. Such an atmosphere forms a fertile ground for self-development and a rethinking of life.

Honourable Mention

Retreat for the Blind Iceland Competition

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