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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Seamless Ski Hub in Mývatn

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Seamless Ski Hub in Mývatn
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Using charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the facility integrates with the Mývatn landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable exterior that blends with the volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while offering a warm interior atmosphere.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient snow shedding and maximizes internal space.
04
Natural stone cladding reinforces local context and ensures long-term resilience against harsh weather.
05
Modular construction enables future expansion to accommodate increased visitor capacity.

# Fótsporð Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in the Mývatn province of Iceland, Fótsporð serves as a functional hub for winter sports tourism, designed to harmonize with the region's striking volcanic landscape. The name "Fótsporð," meaning "footprints," reflects both the transient nature of visitors and the geological history of the area. The project aims to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings while providing essential facilities that support the local winter sports community.

## Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The design utilizes a modular system that allows for a flexible layout, starting from a traditional form and evolving into interlinked volumes. This approach not only facilitates future expansions but also accommodates various functional areas without compromising visual coherence. The spatial organization prioritizes the clear delineation of different activity zones, critical for adapting to the varying demands of ski tour seasons. A central common area fosters social interaction and contains key amenities, including restrooms and equipment storage.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials were selected with an emphasis on sustainability and durability in the harsh Icelandic climate. The project features locally sourced stone cladding, wood finishes, and double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency. Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while maintaining energy performance. Rigid insulation and robust roofing materials were employed to withstand environmental stresses, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing the building's ecological footprint. This thoughtful material approach reinforces the design's connection to its locale while ensuring year-round functionality.

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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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