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Biogas-Powered Guesthouse with Modular Timber and Greenhouse Integration

Author:
Timothy Ingleby
Biogas-Powered Guesthouse with Modular Timber and Greenhouse Integration
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Harnessing biogas energy and modular timber construction, the facility integrates a greenhouse to enhance thermal performance while fostering community engagement in a guesthouse setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biogas system converts organic waste into usable energy on-site.
02
Modular guest room units allow flexible arrangements on the property.
03
Integrated greenhouse enhances indoor climate and supports local biodiversity.
04
Extensive use of timber emphasizes sustainability and connection to nature.
05
Lightweight aluminum construction reduces overall material load and increases adaptability.

## Overview
Located in the distinctive landscapes of Iceland, the Nature House is a carefully conceived architectural project that fosters interaction between visitors and the surrounding environment. The design integrates modern aesthetic principles with a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, enabling guests to engage with the natural elements in a meaningful way while catering to practical requirements.

## Spatial Organization and Design Elements
The Nature House features a well-considered layout that comprises various zones tailored for specific functions. Guest accommodations include rooms designed to accommodate 2-4 occupants, with central core elements that allow tree growth, reinforcing ecological connections. Communal spaces, such as the dining area, serve as social hubs where guests experience Icelandic cuisine, while various private areas provide opportunities for quiet reflection.

Prominent design elements include a large greenhouse structure that optimizes natural light for the interior and enhances thermal efficiency through its innovative roof patterns. The use of locally sourced timber promotes sustainability and warmth, in contrast to the external climate. Extensive glazing establishes a visual and physical connection to the landscape, while lightweight aluminum in guest rooms ensures a modern, durable aesthetic that aligns with the project’s environmental ambitions.

## Sustainability and Resource Management
A range of sustainable practices underpins the Nature House, most notably a biogas digester that transforms organic waste into energy, contributing to a closed-loop system with minimal waste and carbon emissions. Rainwater harvesting systems further enhance the house’s sustainability by providing resources for landscape irrigation. Landscaping practices favor native plant species, reducing maintenance and promoting local biodiversity, thereby fostering a balanced relationship with the surrounding ecosystem.

This project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architectural design with ecological responsibility, setting a benchmark for sustainable hospitality practices within remote environments.

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The Next House: USA
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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