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Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass Integrate Seamlessly in an Eco-Friendly Lodging Experience

Authors:
Lihan Huang, Bofan Zhao
Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass Integrate Seamlessly in an Eco-Friendly Lodging Experience
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Integrating charred wooden shingles and high-performance glass, the design offers a seamless blend of sustainability and aesthetic harmony, providing a unique lodging experience that invites occupants to connect with the natural beauty of Iceland's landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Large, high-performance glass panels maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the auroras.
03
Community gardens are integrated into the landscape to promote local engagement and biodiversity.
04
The bent A-frame structure enhances thermal efficiency while echoing the natural topography.
05
Sustainable materials throughout the build reflect local resources, reinforcing the connection to Iceland's environment.

### Project Overview

Aurora Home, situated in Iceland (Coordinates: 65.631680, -16.928828), encompasses a building area of 300 square meters and was developed as a response to the 2018 Architecture Competition. The project aims to provide visitors with a distinctive experience of the Northern Lights, integrating harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while offering an immersive environment that highlights this natural phenomenon.

### Conceptual Framework

The architectural design draws inspiration from the aurora borealis, characterizing the structure with flowing lines and organic forms that mimic its dynamic movements. This approach seeks to enhance not just the visual aspects but also the sensory connections to the environment, encouraging interaction with the natural landscape. Adaptability is a core principle, with the design evolving alongside seasonal changes to create varied experiences throughout the year.

### Architectural Features

**Structure and Materiality:**
The building's undulating forms reflect the aurora, featuring expansive glass panels for unobstructed views of the night sky. Durable, weather-resistant materials were selected for the exterior, ensuring longevity under Iceland's climatic conditions. Interior spaces incorporate natural wood finishes, lending warmth, while stone and concrete provide stability that connects the structure to the earth.

**Functionality and Space Planning:**
Aurora Home includes specific areas such as a communal living room with panoramic views, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a horse riding room for equestrian activities. The design supports seamless movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, with well-planned circulation pathways, enhancing user experience. The roof design adapts to seasonal variations, reflecting the changing landscape and further engaging visitors with their environment.

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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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