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Charred Wood Exteriors and Thermal Insulation Define a Multifunctional Retreat in Nordic Peaks

Charred Wood Exteriors and Thermal Insulation Define a Multifunctional Retreat in Nordic Peaks
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Charred wood exteriors combined with expansive glass panels provide thermal efficiency and visual connectivity, establishing a multifunctional retreat that serves both skiers and non-skiers within a stunning Nordic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic duality.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal snow shedding and natural light penetration.
04
An extensive viewing deck integrates outdoor experiences with indoor comfort.
05
Dedicated ski tuning facilities streamline user convenience in a communal setting.

### Overview

Located in a snowy mountainous region, the "Under One Roof" retreat is designed to function as a communal space for skiers and tourists, emphasizing simplicity and a profound connection to the Nordic landscape. The structure aims to integrate essential recreational and social functions within a cohesive design, enhancing the overall experience of its users while responding to the area's unique environmental characteristics.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The layout of the retreat reflects a strategy that ensures both connection and distinction among various functional zones. Key areas include a **Community Area**, featuring a glass block that maximizes natural light and creates an inviting atmosphere for both skiers and non-skiers. Adjacent to this is a **Locker/Ski Tuning Room** with durable stone flooring, designed to meet the practical needs of ski enthusiasts. The **Restrooms** are strategically concealed for privacy, while a **Viewing Deck** extends from the community space, offering timber flooring for an outdoor retreat where visitors can enjoy the expansive snowy vistas. Additionally, the **Snow Groomer Garage** is integrated into the design to efficiently manage operational needs without detracting from the user experience, showcasing an organic layout aligned with the surrounding landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette has been carefully curated to resonate with modern and traditional Icelandic architecture, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. **Concrete** serves as the primary structural element, providing a robust foundation capable of withstanding the local climate. **Glass** in the community area promotes transparency and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while ensuring effective insulation. The use of **Timber** for flooring in communal areas adds warmth, while **Stone** flooring in high-traffic zones like lockers and restrooms offers durability alongside aesthetic value. This thoughtful selection of materials not only fulfills functional requirements but also exemplifies the retreat’s commitment to sustainability and integration with the natural environment.

The design incorporates features such as efficient insulation methods to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption, along with a flexible layout that accommodates diverse visitor needs throughout the year. Strategic window placements provide stunning views and emphasize the relationship between the interior spaces and the natural surroundings, ultimately reinforcing the retreat's role as an integral aspect of the local landscape.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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