From a Blue Lagoon retreat to a mirrored room — a glimpse of the 2019 Architecture Masterprize winners

The 2019 edition of the Architecture Masterprize recently came to a close with the announcement of the winning projects. Celebrating innovation in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design around the world, the yearly prize competition distinguishes outstanding projects by individuals and teams created in the last five years. 

The competition is split into three disciplines: Architectural Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture, which each have multiple categories. The esteemed jury, comprising of architects and leaders in the design industry, selected three overall winners in each discipline. Scroll down for a look at these stunning designs.

Architectural Design of the Year: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Company: Basalt Architects in Reykjavík, Iceland 
Lead Architect: Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir
Design Team: Anna Björg Sigurðardóttir, Ástríður Birna Árnadóttir, Davíð Hildiberg Aðalsteinsson, Einar Hlér Einarsson, Elín Þórisdóttir, Guðjón Kjartansson, Harpa Heimisdóttir, Hrólfur Karl Cela, Jóhann Harðarson, Jón Guðmundsson, Marcos Zotes, Niklas Dahlström, Perla Dís Kristinsdóttir, Stefanía Helga Pálmarsdóttir, Unnsteinn Jónsson

Project summary: “The Retreat provides a unique way to experience Iceland´s ancient bathing culture. The task faced by the architects was to push the boundaries between nature, architecture and experience, to shape a place where guests feel a connection to Icelandic nature. Built directly into a 751-year-old lava flow in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, the Retreat encompasses a subterranean spa, geothermal lagoon and 62-suite hotel encircled by the Blue Lagoon’s seawaters. Treasures of the site — the mineral-rich water, the rugged lava and centuries-old moss — become the focal point of every space in the building.”

Interior Design of the Year: Infinite Buildings
Company: Jean-Maxime Labrecque in Montreal, Canada
Project location: Montreal 
Lead Architect: Jean-Maxime Labrecque

Project summary: “Infinite Buildings — Buildings Inside Buildings. In addition to the exterior makeover of their residence, two art-collector clients instructed their architect to create an installation that would occupy the entire lower floor. The principal aim of this installation is to transform a claustrophobic space into a generous volume, without altering the building’s structure. This newly-created boundless space becomes a reflection about the world of tomorrow and its architecture.”

Landscape Design of the Year: The Best of Youth
Company: Unlimited Metropolis Studio in China
Lead Architect: Ums group

Project summary: “We wanted to make the space full of diversity and not easily defined. It is a leisurely and relaxed place, hiding in a green island with no rush or muddle. People who enter the place can step on the water, listen to the spring, walk, or freely settle down in a corner. No matter where they go, it is life just as it could be. The project, located outside of West 4th ring road in Beijing — a place usually perceived as having complex field conditions and a chaotic environment — is totally the opposite of our expectation. The thought of restraint is produced gradually in the process of the project.”

You can check out more 2019 AMP projects here.