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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Pods in a Modern Icelandic Cabin

Authors:
Srdan Nad, Urska Podlogar Kos
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Pods in a Modern Icelandic Cabin
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and modular pods, this modern cabin harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape while providing a flexible and sustainable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and aesthetic coherence.
04
Includes modular pods that allow for flexible use and efficient construction.
05
Integrates geothermal heating systems to reduce energy consumption in a remote setting.

### Project Overview
The "Transformed Landscape" is located in Iceland, designed to resonate with the region's unique geological characteristics while emphasizing sustainability. The project reinterprets traditional cabin structures through contemporary forms, aiming to integrate the cabin's geometry with its natural topography.

### Layout and Spatial Strategy
The design consists of two distinct volumes reflecting the contours of the surrounding mountainous terrain. An open-plan living space facilitates both social and private interactions, fostering community within a unified environment. The sleeping quarters utilize interlocking bunk beds for space efficiency, while communal areas, including a kitchen and dining space, feature large glass walls that frame views of the landscape, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The exterior is clad in dark timber, contrasting with the landscape while ensuring durability against harsh weather. Interiors feature extensive use of plywood panels that provide warmth and sustainability. The project incorporates factory-made components, such as a service pod, for structural efficiency. Sustainability is prioritized through geothermal energy systems for heating and electricity, alongside efficient water treatment solutions sourced from nearby resources. The design also includes terraces that enhance outdoor engagement, creating a visually elevated experience of the natural surroundings.

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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

`
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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