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Birch and Trusscore Blend with Local Landscape for a Sustainable Hospitality Experience

Birch and Trusscore Blend with Local Landscape for a Sustainable Hospitality Experience
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Constructed with birch and trusscore, the design seamlessly integrates the hotel with Iceland's natural landscape while providing diverse hospitality experiences, including a brewery and wellness facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced birch to enhance warmth and sustainability.
02
Innovative use of trusscore panels in high-moisture brewing areas to prevent water damage.
03
Incorporates expansive views of Lake Mývatn through large, strategically placed windows.
04
Features a wellness spa with outdoor bathing options, emphasizing connection to nature.
05
Integrates cement siding for durability against Iceland's harsh weather conditions.

## Project Overview
Located in a rural area of Iceland, the Renna hotel encompasses a family-run establishment that incorporates a restaurant and brewery. The design intention centers around the concept of "Flow," which draws inspiration from Icelandic culture, emphasizing the dynamic interactions between nature and human activity. This project is strategically situated to enhance guest engagement with the surrounding landscape, promoting a sense of community and interaction.

## Spatial Configuration
The interior layout is meticulously organized into three distinct functional levels. The first floor features an open brewing area and café, designed to facilitate a seamless connection with the outdoors. On the second floor, expansive views of Lake Mývatn can be enjoyed from both private and communal spaces that prioritize relaxation. The third floor spa provides a more secluded experience, featuring treatment rooms and outdoor bathing facilities optimized for sunset views. This arrangement encourages exploration, with wide hallways and strategically positioned windows enhancing spatial dynamics and visual connectivity throughout the hotel.

## Material Selection
The material palette reflects both local environmental conditions and functional requirements. Birch wood, widely available in Iceland, is utilized for its warmth and texture, fostering inviting social spaces. In the brewing area, Trusscore is employed for its moisture resistance, while cement siding enhances durability against harsh weather. Concrete serves as a primary structural component, ensuring stability across various spaces. Tile is integrated in high-traffic areas for its ease of maintenance, and sandstone is strategically used to create visual coherence with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful materiality not only respects local craftsmanship but also reinforces a commitment to sustainability and longevity in design.

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

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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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