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Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Structure in a Community-Centric Trekking Accommodation

Authors:
Sanghyo Kim, Soohyoun Nam, Eunho Jeong, Yun Sung Cho
Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Structure in a Community-Centric Trekking Accommodation
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a framework of engineered wood, the design fosters a communal living environment while offering trekkers sustainable and comfortable accommodation in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing natural light and panoramic views.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainability goals.
05
Designed with flexible communal spaces to promote social interaction among guests.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the Twin House project is designed to accommodate trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts within the country's diverse and challenging landscapes. The design prioritizes a harmonious relationship with the environment, creating functional spaces that respond to varying weather conditions while considering user comfort and safety.

### Design Strategy
**Form and Spatial Organization**
The architecture features a gabled roof, a nod to traditional Icelandic styles, with clean geometric lines that echo the nearby mountainous terrain. Variability in building heights enhances visual interest and spatial differentiation, while a central courtyard facilitates community interaction among users. The layout emphasizes functional zoning, effectively grouping public and private areas to enhance both privacy and social engagement.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The design employs a selection of sustainable materials, including wood for structural framing, steel for support, glass to optimize natural light, and laminate panels for insulation. This combination supports thermal efficiency and robust durability against Iceland’s extreme weather. Additionally, the project incorporates eco-technologies such as solar panels for energy collection, rainwater systems for sustainability, and radiant floor heating to provide comfort in colder seasons. These features collectively contribute to an environmentally responsible approach aligned with contemporary design practices.

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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.

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
Final registration deadline 20 May 2026

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