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Charred Wooden Shingles and Metal Cladding Elevate Eco-Friendly Cabins for Remarkable Aurora Viewing

Author:
Nilaus Maltha
Charred Wooden Shingles and Metal Cladding Elevate Eco-Friendly Cabins for Remarkable Aurora Viewing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and metal cladding, the design creates eco-friendly cabins that seamlessly integrate with the rugged Icelandic landscape, providing an ideal setting for northern lights observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates large windows strategically positioned for optimal northern lights viewing.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes wind resistance and snow accumulation.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural strength and insulation.
05
Cabins are elevated to reduce environmental impact and enhance drainage.

**Overview**
Located near Lake Myvatn in Iceland, the project comprises a series of small cabins specifically designed to provide accommodation that allows visitors to fully engage with the natural beauty of the environment, including the Northern Lights. The design aims to enhance the experience of stargazing while minimizing environmental impact. The layout facilitates a sense of solitude by isolating the cabins from each other and the surrounding landscape, reflecting the concept of harmony with nature.

**Spatial Strategy**
The cabin configuration consists of two distinct types, catering to varied accommodation needs while prioritizing flexibility and adaptability to the harsh climate. Cabins are clustered to maintain a balance of privacy and connection to the landscape, utilizing geometric forms—both triangular and rectangular—that interact with light and shadow. Elevated entrances with accessible stairways protect living areas from snow accumulation and provide vantage points for sky viewing. Roofs are thoughtfully designed to efficiently channel and shed snow, ensuring structural integrity over time.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
Material choices are integral to the design's sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Interiors incorporate wood, which provides warmth and insulation against the cold climate, while exteriors feature weather-resistant metal cladding for durability and low maintenance. Large windows with energy-efficient glass optimize natural light and offer unobstructed views of the auroras, allowing occupants to fully engage with the stunning surroundings. The lightweight, mobile nature of the cabins exemplifies a commitment to eco-conscious architectural solutions, enabling them to adapt to fluctuating weather and terrain conditions.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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
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