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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilia in a Community-Centric Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilia in a Community-Centric Space
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With a facade adorned in charred wooden shingles that promote sustainability and a design that embraces biophilia, the space serves as a vibrant community hub fostering interaction and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while offering a unique aesthetic that echoes local building traditions.
02
An innovative bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior spaces.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels were employed for structural efficiency and sustainability in construction.
04
The outdoor areas integrate biophilic design principles, creating seamless transitions between nature and built environments.
05
Modular construction methods allow for future adaptability and expansion in response to community needs.

## Overview

The Iceland Ski Snow Cabin is situated in a region known for its striking winter landscape and variable weather conditions. The structure is designed to serve as a refuge for winter sports enthusiasts, prioritizing functionality and user comfort while responding thoughtfully to the surrounding natural environment. The architectural approach reflects an integration of local culture and sensitivity to climate challenges, making the cabin a practical yet aesthetically relevant addition to the site.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The construction of the cabin incorporates sustainable materials selected for their environmental benefits and structural performance. Glued laminated timber is utilized for columns and beams, offering a low carbon footprint. Perforated aluminum screens, designed to enhance visibility and airflow, also contribute to the building's visual compatibility with the snowy terrain, echoing snowflake patterns. The project emphasizes local sourcing, optimizing energy efficiency through features such as wood sun louvers that minimize heat gain while maximizing natural light within the interior spaces.

## Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The layout of the cabin is strategically planned to facilitate various user activities while enhancing comfort and accessibility. Dedicated areas include visitor amenities such as changing rooms and self-service refreshment stations, as well as storage for skiing equipment. Interactive information points are integrated to provide real-time updates on snow conditions, and open viewing decks offer spaces for relaxation amidst scenic landscapes. The design further incorporates adaptive features to ensure user comfort across diverse weather conditions, reinforcing the cabin's role as both a functional and inviting environment for its visitors.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
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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

`
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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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

Recurring architecture competitions

The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 14 January 2026
The Architect’s 
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Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
The Architect's 
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Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 22 January 2026
Re:Form - 
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 4 February 2026
new
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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