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Basalt and Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Nestled in a Snowy Landscape

Basalt and Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Nestled in a Snowy Landscape
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Constructed with basalt stone and cross-laminated timber, the design harmonizes with its snow-covered environment while offering a functional space for communal living and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced basalt stone for durability and aesthetic integration into the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles, enhancing weather resistance and promoting a unique visual texture.
04
The bent A-frame design maximizes snow runoff and reduces structural load during winter conditions.
05
Includes communal spaces designed to foster social interaction among visitors and promote a sense of community.

### Overview

Snjóberg is located in a mountainous, snowy region, conceived to facilitate interaction with the natural environment while also serving as a refuge from technology-driven lifestyles. The design aims to bridge the gap between the raw beauty of the wilderness and human habitation through a combination of a hostel, spa, and communal areas, thereby fostering recreational and social interactions among visitors.

### Material Integration and Sustainability

The architectural strategy emphasizes the use of local and indigenous materials that resonate with the geological context of the site. Native basalt stone serves as a durable and visually coherent choice, while a wood frame structure pays homage to traditional Nordic architecture, creating inviting spaces. Additionally, elements inspired by glacial ice incorporate water features into the design without detracting from sustainability principles. These selections promote environmental stewardship and reflect regional identity, establishing a strong connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Engagement

The spatial organization prioritizes movement and interaction, designed to enhance user experience across various functional areas. The hostel features communal amenities that encourage social interaction while maintaining private spaces for guests. Central to the design is a hot spring and spa facility that adapts to the topography, allowing for both relaxation and immersion in the landscape. The angular forms of the architecture echo the contours of the mountains, offering a modern interpretation of classic mountain lodge aesthetics while promoting a sense of place. Pathways and visual corridors strategically integrate indoor and outdoor experiences, facilitating continuous engagement with the scenic environment.

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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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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