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Charred Wooden Shingles and Black Sheet Facade Define a Warm Retreat in Iceland's Rugged Landscape

Charred Wooden Shingles and Black Sheet Facade Define a Warm Retreat in Iceland's Rugged Landscape
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a black sheet facade, the retreat integrates seamlessly with Iceland's rugged landscape, offering a warm haven for relaxation and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability against harsh weather conditions.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural performance and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that harmonizes with the surrounding Icelandic topography.
04
Strategically oriented large windows frame views of the landscape while maintaining privacy.
05
Designed with a central fireplace as a focal point for social gatherings and warmth.

### Project Overview
Dunfaxi is an architectural retreat situated in Iceland, designed to respond to the region's harsh environmental conditions while providing a warm and inviting space for its inhabitants. The intent of the design is to create a robust shelter that harmonizes with the rugged landscape, drawing upon traditional Icelandic culture to inform its aesthetic and functional characteristics.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Configuration
The retreat features an asymmetric design composed of interconnected sections that echo the contours of the surrounding natural landscape. This architectural form not only reflects human adaptability but also establishes a visual coherence with Iceland’s peaks and valleys. The layout emphasizes distinct spatial experiences, with designated areas for relaxation, social interaction, and contemplation of the outdoors. Each space is oriented to maximize scenic views while maintaining privacy and comfort for occupants.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A key aspect of the design is the careful selection of materials that prioritize durability and thermal efficiency, essential for Iceland’s variable climate. The exterior incorporates black-colored sheet materials to facilitate snow shedding and ensure resilience against the elements, complemented by a weatherproof membrane for moisture resistance. Locally sourced timber is utilized in the framing for sustainability, while the interior features MDF to create a warm atmosphere. The building integrates effective insulation and energy-efficient systems, minimizing its environmental impact while withstanding extreme weather conditions.

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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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