ArchDaily · Creativity & design

Buildner Announces Iceland Slow Sauna Competition Winners

Buildner revealed winners for its Iceland Slow Sauna competition, challenging architects to design a combined sauna and greenhouse retreat in Iceland's volcanic Lake Mývatn. The designs emphasize integrating heat, light, vegetation, and the natural environment, inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions.

The competition focused on transitions between sauna and greenhouse, valuing atmosphere, ritual, and sensory experience within the local climate and terrain. Submissions often used vernacular forms and passive strategies, extending the bathing ritual into the greenhouse.

An international jury sought projects that choreographed the sauna experience, balancing atmosphere with climatic responsiveness and landscape connection.

First Prize went to 'Linear Ritual' for its linear sequence guiding visitors through spaces, inspired by Icelandic vernacular architecture.

'Slow Sauna - Descent into Stillness' won Second Prize for its design choreographing movement and environmental changes through a gradual descent.

Third Prize was awarded to 'The fourfold ritual,' conceptualizing the sauna as elemental experiences within a greenhouse core.

The Buildner Sustainability Award recognized 'Iceland Slow Sauna' for its multifunctional retreat integrating sauna and greenhouse using environmental strategies.

Other highlighted submissions offered unique interpretations of the sauna and greenhouse program within the Icelandic context.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.