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Biodynamic Cement Panels and Green Roof Integration in a Modular Cabin Design

Authors:
Piotr Pańczyk, Magda Palczowska
Biodynamic Cement Panels and Green Roof Integration in a Modular Cabin Design
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Utilizing biodynamic cement panels and a green roof, the modular cabin offers an environmentally sensitive living space that harmonizes with Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes biodynamic cement panels that filter air pollutants.
02
Incorporates a green roof for enhanced insulation and stormwater management.
03
Features extensive glass facades for optimal natural light and landscape views.
04
Design includes built-in storage solutions to maximize space efficiency.
05
Separates private and communal areas through a bifurcated structural form.

## Overview

The project, "Overlook," is located in the rugged landscape of Iceland and conceptualized as a modular living cabin aimed at enhancing the experience of survival in extreme conditions. It serves as a contemporary adaptation of traditional Icelandic architecture, emphasizing sustainability through innovative material selection and construction methods while addressing the environmental challenges specific to the region.

## Structural Form and User Experience

The design of "Overlook" showcases a bifurcated configuration that distinguishes between private and communal spaces within the cabin. This layout is informed by traditional architectural references while employing modernist aesthetics. The spatial arrangement consists of an open-plan kitchen and living area on the lower level that fosters social interaction, complemented by private sleeping quarters positioned above. Built-in storage solutions throughout the cabin optimize space, maintaining an airy atmosphere conducive to temporary habitation.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for "Overlook" is deliberately chosen to reinforce its environmental ethos while ensuring functionality. Key components include biodynamic cement panels that filter air pollutants and promote biodiversity, expansive glass facades for natural light and landscape integration, and a green roof that enhances insulation and stormwater management. Additionally, reclaimed wood elements are incorporated to create a warm interior feel. This thoughtful approach not only aligns the building with its surroundings but also emphasizes durability and ecological consideration in its design. The project aspires to self-sufficiency through the use of renewable energy sources, minimizing its overall carbon footprint while contributing positively to the local ecosystem.

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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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