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Charred Wood Facade Enhancing a-Frame Design for Northern Lights Observation

Authors:
Yicheng Lei, Wai Choi, Odessa Cleavenger, Martin Hilden
Charred Wood Facade Enhancing a-Frame Design for Northern Lights Observation
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Constructed with a charred wood facade and a geometric A-frame design, the cabin offers unparalleled views of the Northern Lights while providing a sustainable retreat in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a charred wood facade for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for both structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing exterior footprint.
04
Strategically oriented large glass panels frame views of the aurora borealis from various angles.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, reinforcing a strong connection to the environment.

**Northern Lights Viewing Cabin Overview**

Located in the dramatic Icelandic landscape, the cabin is designed to provide an optimal experience for viewing the Northern Lights while fostering a connection with its natural surroundings. The project emphasizes the interplay between the architectural form and the auroral phenomena, creating a space that accommodates both functional needs and contemplative experiences. The design reflects aspects of traditional Icelandic architecture while incorporating contemporary elements, ensuring the structure resonates with the unique character of the environment.

**Architectural Form and Spatial Arrangement**

The cabin features a geometric shape inspired by traditional A-frame structures, enhancing its resilience to harsh weather conditions and providing expansive views of the night sky. A prominent transparent facade serves as a portal to the outdoors, framing the Northern Lights within the interior space. The layout effectively balances communal areas with private quarters, allowing for both social interaction and solitary reflection. A compact entry leads into a communal dining space, facilitating gatherings centered around local traditions.

**Sustainability and Materiality**

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, with a focus on locally sourced materials that minimize environmental impact. Predominantly constructed from wood, the cabin conveys warmth and intimacy, while large glass panels ensure unobstructed views of the surroundings. The inclusion of steel in the framing system enhances structural integrity and modern appeal, while a stone foundation stabilizes the structure against the shifting ground. Natural materials contribute thermal insulation, maintaining comfort during cold seasons, and pathways encourage exploration of the site, integrating the building with the landscape. Large deck areas extend the living space outdoors, promoting immersion in the Icelandic wilderness.

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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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