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Basalt and Biogas: a Sustainable Ski Lodge Blending Concrete and Timber with Nature

Basalt and Biogas: a Sustainable Ski Lodge Blending Concrete and Timber with Nature
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Utilizing locally sourced basalt and an integrated biogas system, the design merges durable concrete and timber features to create a functional ski lodge that embraces its natural surroundings while prioritizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes basalt fiber reinforcement in the concrete for enhanced sustainability.
02
Incorporates a biodigester for waste management and biogas energy production.
03
Features extensive glazing to maximize natural light and landscape views.
04
Includes a warm gathering area with a biogas fireplace for efficient heating.
05
Designed with a linear layout to create direct sightlines to the surrounding mountains.

# Architectural Analysis Report: Iceland Ski Cabin

## Overview
Located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, the Iceland Ski Cabin is designed to integrate skiing facilities with an appreciation for the surrounding natural landscape. This structure serves as both a refuge for visitors and a vantage point for observing the northern lights and volcanic features inherent to the locale.

## Spatial Organization
The layout of the cabin is strategically designed to facilitate movement and enhance the aesthetic experience of the environment. The entrance features a main hallway that guides visitors’ views toward the mountains, creating a direct visual connection with the landscape. The floor plan categorizes the cabin into three functional zones: a scenic area for relaxation and observation, a ski-oriented zone for gear storage and preparation, and a servicing zone for necessary facilities. This organization promotes an efficient flow and interaction among visitors while providing designated spaces for various activities.

### Material Selection and Performance
The choice of materials reflects both the local context and environmental sustainability. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural element, selected for its durability and thermal efficiency. Basalt fiber, sourced locally, is integrated into the concrete for added environmental benefits. Timber is used for internal finishes and external cladding, contributing warmth to the overall aesthetic, while large glass panels maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. The basalt cladding not only enhances the building's visual integration with its setting but also provides resilience against the harsh climate of the region.

## Innovative Design Features
The cabin incorporates several innovative elements that underscore its commitment to sustainability and user experience. A biodigester treats waste organically, generating biogas for energy use, and reducing the environmental footprint. Skylights throughout the cabin facilitate an ever-changing interplay of natural light, enhancing the interior ambiance. A biogas fireplace serves as a central social feature, merging modern technology with traditional environmental elements, providing both warmth and a focal point for gatherings.

### Visitor Engagement
The thoughtful arrangement of spaces fosters communal interaction while allowing for personal reflection on the striking Icelandic scenery. By promoting a blend of active and contemplative experiences, the design encourages visitors to engage deeply with both the cabin's amenities and the natural landscape that surrounds it. The use of indigenous materials reinforces a sense of place, aligning the structure with its ecological context and demonstrating a model approach for future architectural endeavors in similar environments.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
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