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Basalt Facade and Glass Elements Create a Multifunctional Community Hub in a Volcanic Landscape

Basalt Facade and Glass Elements Create a Multifunctional Community Hub in a Volcanic Landscape
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Constructed from local basalt and expansive glass, the multifunctional hub integrates seamlessly into the volcanic landscape, providing essential services and communal spaces for visitors and locals alike.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced basalt, reinforcing the connection to the landscape.
02
Extensive glass facades provide panoramic views while enhancing natural lighting.
03
The bent A-frame design integrates seamlessly with the rugged terrain.
04
Sustainable energy solutions, including solar panels, are seamlessly incorporated.
05
Community-focused layout encourages social interaction and engagement among users.

### Project Overview

Located in Northern Iceland near Lake Myvatn, Viti í Fjöllunum integrates the region's environmental and geological characteristics into a multifunctional hub designed for both locals and tourists. The intent is to create a central space that facilitates engagement with the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. This report examines key elements of the design, including conceptual inspiration, material choices, spatial organization, and sustainability.

### Conceptual Framework and Architectural Form

The design draws from Iceland's volcanic terrain, reflecting the dynamic interplay of ice formations and basaltic rock. The architectural form employs a tilted rectangular geometry that establishes a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, appearing as a natural extension of the environment. Angled columnar elements support the structure while creating visually striking spaces that extend the views toward the mountains and landscape features. This approach fosters an emotional connection to the site, enhancing the user experience through a dialogue between architecture and nature.

### Material Selection and Construction Practices

Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing the connection between the building and its setting. The use of basalt columns not only serves structural purposes but also emphasizes local geology. Volcanic stone on the exterior links the design visually to the site’s volcanic heritage, while extensive glass features invite natural light into the spaces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. Warm wood finishes in the interior create a comforting contrast with the darker exterior materials. Structural steel contributes to the building’s durability and supports the overall aesthetic, reflecting contemporary sustainable practices through the use of eco-friendly materials and construction techniques.

### Spatial Organization and User Accessibility

The layout consists of two interlinked volumes to accommodate diverse functions. The primary volume includes communal areas such as an information point, warming zones, and self-service facilities, promoting social interaction and community engagement. The secondary volume is dedicated to practical functions, including changing rooms and restrooms, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. A connecting observation deck enhances the relationship between the two volumes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The design’s thoughtful organization promotes straightforward navigation, allowing users to easily access amenities while enjoying multiple vantage points of the breathtaking environment.

### Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is embedded in the design through several innovative strategies. The incorporation of solar panels reduces the building's ecological footprint by harnessing renewable energy. High-performance insulation techniques enhance energy efficiency, vital for coping with Iceland's extreme weather conditions. Additionally, comprehensive water management systems are in place to address drainage concerns, reflecting a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. Through these measures, the project establishes a model for future constructions in similar contexts, balancing modern architectural principles with ecological responsibility.

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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.

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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