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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Create a Multifunctional Ski Cabin in Iceland

Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Create a Multifunctional Ski Cabin in Iceland
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a Y-shaped layout, this multifunctional cabin integrates thermal mass principles to create a sustainable ski facility that fosters community interaction in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features a Y-shaped layout that fosters social interaction among visitors.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved thermal efficiency.
04
Strategically positioned large windows connect occupants with the surrounding landscape.
05
Designed as a multifunctional space to accommodate both skiers and community events.

# Analytical Report: Triquetra Ski Snow Cabin

## Overview

Located in the rugged terrain of Iceland, the Triquetra Ski Cabin serves as a multifunctional space dedicated to skiers and tourists while fostering community engagement. Its Y-shaped design draws inspiration from the Celtic symbol of the triquetra, representing unity and interconnectedness. The layout is strategically organized into distinct functional zones, which enhances connectivity and invites interaction among visitors, providing an inviting atmosphere for both leisure and community events.

## Materiality and External Design

The external form of the cabin responds directly to the surrounding landscape, featuring a Y-shaped configuration that facilitates effective water drainage and insulation. Key materials include a robust concrete facade that offers longevity and thermal stability against Iceland's harsh winters. Internally, warm wood panels are used to create a cozy ambiance, while extensive glass facades promote a visual connection with the environment, ensuring that natural light permeates the interior and offers panoramic views of the landscape and the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Strategy and Interior Configuration

The interior layout prioritizes functionality and comfort, featuring a warm zone designated for social interactions and relaxation. This area is adaptable, serving as a hub for community events beyond its original purpose. The design includes guided circulation pathways, ensuring ease of movement between operational zones such as equipment storage, refreshment areas, and visitor services. Deliberate window placements enhance natural light flow, enriching the user experience throughout the cabin.

The cabin's orientation and spatial organization enable optimal views while providing protection from inclement weather, creating a functional environment that balances accessibility and connection to the site. Three main volumes delineate areas for equipment check, refreshments, and social engagement, enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating a vibrant atmosphere for gatherings. The integration of sustainable practices, such as natural insulation from the mix of concrete and timber, supports energy efficiency and minimizes ecological impact, allowing the cabin to harmonize with its natural setting.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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.

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