Modular Timber Pavilion Designed For Repeated Use

A temporary timber pavilion in Davos shows how modular construction, natural materials and removable foundations can reduce the impact of short-term architecture. Hub Culture developed THE ICON as a venue for meetings, events and discussions.

The pavilion recently won the Popular Choice Award in the Pop-Ups & Temporary category at the 2026 Architizer A+Awards. BYLD and SkreinStudios led the architectural design and construction. Meanwhile, The Visionist Advisers helped bring the different parts of the project together.

Transportable Modular Construction

THE ICON covers around 180 m² across two floors. The structure consists of modular units that teams can transport, take apart and install in new locations. As a result, the building can serve several events rather than only one. This approach also reduces the waste that temporary architecture often creates.

Removable screw piles support the pavilion. In contrast to concrete foundations, builders can install and remove these piles without major groundworks. Therefore, the construction process left the natural terrain along Symondstrasse in Davos largely untouched.

Timber, Cork And Wood Fibre

The designers chose timber, cork and wood fibre insulation as the main building materials. These renewable options can lower the amount of embodied carbon compared with common construction materials.

Swiss building rules do not require insulation in temporary structures. Nevertheless, the designers added insulation to the walls, roof and floor. Consequently, the pavilion loses less heat and uses less energy during events.

Untreated timber shingles cover the prefabricated façade elements. Their form refers to traditional Alpine buildings. Because the timber has no protective surface treatment, it will gradually weather and gain a natural patina. In this way, the façade makes the ageing of the material visible.

Passive Indoor Climate

Natural airflow supplies fresh air throughout the pavilion. Therefore, the building does not need a mechanical ventilation system. This passive solution reduces electricity use and helps create a comfortable indoor climate.

Hub Culture developed THE ICON as a flexible meeting place for international leaders, innovators and other visitors. More importantly, its modular design shows how temporary buildings can support circular construction. The project combines factory-made elements, renewable insulation, untreated timber and removable foundations. Together, these features allow teams to relocate and reuse the pavilion while limiting material waste and damage to the site.

Source: SkreinStudios (via V2com)