Skreinstudios Timber. Modular. Circular - Davos - Switzerland

THE ICON, the pioneering timber pavilion originated by Hub Culture, has been named a Popular Choice Winner in the Pop-Ups & Temporary category at the Architizer A+Awards 2026 — a distinction decided by a worldwide public vote within one of the largest and most widely followed architecture award programs in the world

Conceived and commissioned by Hub Culture, THE ICON was created as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration — bringing together architecture, technology, sustainability, and community in a single built environment. First realized in Davos, Switzerland, the project is the physical expression of Hub Culture’s long-running work on how future generations will live, work, gather, and connect through adaptable, environmentally responsible spaces. To bring the concept to life, Hub Culture assembled a team of execution partners: The Visionist Advisers (TVA) supported project integration, while BYLD and SKREINSTUDIOS led the architectural design and build.

Constructed primarily from timber and guided by principles of sustainability and circular design, THE ICON demonstrates how architecture can create meaningful experiences while minimizing environmental impact. It has served as a gathering place for global leaders, innovators, and change-makers, advancing conversations around the future of living, working, and community.

“THE ICON reflects our belief that the spaces we create shape the conversations we have and the communities we build,” said Stan Stalnaker, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Hub Culture. “This recognition celebrates an idea Hub Culture has been developing for years — and the partners who helped us realize it. We are grateful to see that vision resonate with audiences around the world.”

Founded in New York, the Architizer A+ Awards are among the most widely followed honors in global architecture, recognizing projects that advance design excellence, innovation, and impact. The Popular Choice Award is decided by a worldwide public vote, reflecting support from architects, designers, and audiences across the globe.

As architecture evolves in response to changing lifestyles, environmental priorities, and new patterns of human interaction, THE ICON stands as an example of how a temporary structure can create lasting impact through original vision, sustainability, and purposeful design.

The interior is naturally ventilated without the use of mechanical ventilation systems, further reducing energy consumption while providing a healthy indoor environment. The prefabricated façade elements are clad in untreated timber shingles, following local Alpine building traditions. Left in their natural state, the shingles are intended to weather gracefully and develop a characteristic patina over time.

The pavilion is supported by non-invasive, removable screw pile foundations, allowing the natural terrain along Symondstrasse to remain undisturbed and enabling the structure to be dismantled with minimal environmental impact.

About SkreinStudios

SkreinStudios is an internationally recognized architecture studio founded in 2020 and based in Madrid. It is committed to sustainable design, innovation, and cultural integration. The studio has gained prestige and recognition for its visionary approach, developing projects that span multiple sectors and continents.

The studio's approach is deeply rooted in the context, both physical and cultural. Whether in Europe, Africa, or other continents, they engage with local communities and specialists to develop architectural solutions that respect and enhance their surroundings. Their work balances aesthetic ambition with environmental responsibility, integrating passive strategies, renewable energy systems, and circular economy principles.

As the studio continues to grow, it maintains its goal of pushing the boundaries of resilient architecture. Currently, the studio is expanding its expertise in modular timber construction and exploring prefabrication techniques to further reduce its carbon footprint while improving efficiency, flexibility, and cutting-edge design. With an award-winning portfolio and an unwavering commitment to responsible design, SkreinStudios is shaping the future of architecture—one sustainable project at a time.

Photo credit: Beat Bühler Fotografie