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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Views in a Circular Retreat Design

Author:
Samuel Hervault
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Views in a Circular Retreat Design
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Combining charred wooden shingles with a circular layout, this retreat optimally captures panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape while offering a sustainable and communal space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred timber cladding enhances durability and resistance to harsh weather.
02
Circular design optimizes views and fosters social interaction.
03
Central fire pit serves as a communal gathering space.
04
Large glass windows frame the northern lights and surrounding landscape.
05
Cork flooring provides thermal comfort and sustainable material usage.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the design emphasizes the integration of built structures with the surrounding natural landscape. The intention is to create a functional space that simultaneously showcases the region's unique topography and natural phenomena, such as the northern lights. The project is guided by principles of sustainability and user engagement, aiming to foster a connection between occupants and their environment.

### Spatial Organization
The layout features a circular retreat that prioritizes both communal and private interactions. A centrally located common area, anchored by a fire pit, serves as a gathering space, promoting social engagement. Surrounding this area are five private bedrooms designed for proximity while ensuring personal privacy. The configuration is adaptable, allowing flexibility in space usage based on occupancy needs. This design choice enhances the overall user experience by facilitating interactions in a comfortable setting.

### Material Selection
Thoughtful material choices reflect both sustainability and functional design. The structure utilizes reinforced concrete for stability, while charred timber (Shou Sugi Ban) for cladding not only provides durability but also a distinctive aesthetic. Large glass windows are incorporated to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views. Inside, cork flooring adds thermal benefits and comfort, while natural textiles in soft furnishings enhance the welcoming atmosphere. The materials selected emphasize the project’s commitment to harmony with the environment, aligning with local ecological 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.

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