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Charred Timber Shingles Enhancing Community Warmth in a Winter Retreat

Charred Timber Shingles Enhancing Community Warmth in a Winter Retreat
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles, this retreat blends into its Icelandic landscape while providing a warm gathering space for skiers seeking refuge from the cold.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing fire resistance and aesthetic harmony with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes snow shedding while maximizing interior volume.
04
Includes a central fireplace that serves as a communal gathering point for skiers.
05
Designed with expansive glass walls to connect indoor and outdoor environments, providing panoramic views.

**Overview**
Located in a cold climate influenced by Icelandic geography, the Skihouse project is designed as a retreat for skiers, emphasizing communal interaction and warmth. The architectural approach draws inspiration from traditional structures, particularly the grillhouse concept prevalent in northern regions, while also reflecting the unique volcanic landscape of Iceland. The design's intent is to foster a sense of gathering, where skiers can come together after a day on the slopes.

**Spatial Organization and Community Focus**
The layout centers around a warm room featuring a fireplace, serving as a focal point for social interactions. This design encourages both individual reflection and communal engagement, aligning with the ski culture ethos. The ground floor is strategically organized to enhance accessibility and functionality, integrating spaces such as ski equipment drying areas and refreshment corners. A notable feature is the subtraction of a section of the roof, which creates a viewing deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and an ideal vantage point for observing the northern lights during winter.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The material selection for the Skihouse prioritizes functionality and environmental harmony. Predominantly wood is employed for structural components, allowing for efficient heat retention. Stone provides thermal mass in non-heated areas, while expansive glass walls facilitate natural light and visual connectivity with the landscape. Metal elements are incorporated for roofing and structural ties, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the roof geometry is designed to collect rainwater, addressing the challenges of the local environment where direct water access may be limited. The overall material palette and design choices reflect a commitment to sustainability while enhancing user experience and comfort.

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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.

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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