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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat

Authors:
Hyunggyu Kim, Kwang Min Lee, Victoria Lee, Brian Luce
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Elements Define a Sustainable Highland Retreat
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled composite materials, the design merges traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern sustainability practices to create a communal living space in Iceland's highland region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sloped roof for efficient snow management and water collection.
02
Incorporates recycled fishing net material for unique interior texture.
03
Combines traditional Viking longhouse elements with modern construction techniques.
04
Features modular sleeping pods to enhance communal flexibility and privacy.
05
Integrates renewable wind energy solutions for self-sufficiency.

**Location and Context**
The project is situated in Iceland’s rugged landscape, characterized by heavy snowfall and high winds, requiring a design that addresses these climatic challenges. Drawing inspiration from traditional Viking longhouses, the architecture aims to facilitate interaction with the natural environment while providing essential shelter. The intent is to create a space that fosters community among occupants while promoting sustainable living practices.

**Architectural Form and Materials**
The design features a bold, sloped roof that effectively manages heavy snowfall, allowing for efficient water collection that channels melted snow into integrated storage systems. The facade employs a grid of glass panels and lightweight wooden structures, ensuring both transparency and insulation. Material choices include wood for structural supports, glass for natural lighting, recycled composite panels for reduced environmental impact, and weathering steel for durability. Interior spaces incorporate recycled fishing nets to echo local culture, while hollow steel tubes provide a lightweight and robust structural framework.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
Interior arrangements emphasize communal living while allowing for privacy through modular sleeping arrangements. Movable partitions and adjustable furniture enhance flexibility, accommodating groups such as hikers or research teams. Key features include a spacious dining area designed as a central gathering point, alongside individualized sleeping pods that balance privacy with the openness of the overall design. The layout contributes to a sense of community while maintaining functionality for varied user needs.

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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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