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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Shape a Distinctive Ski Resort Experience

Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Shape a Distinctive Ski Resort Experience
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Charred wooden shingles define the exterior while thermal mass construction enhances energy efficiency, creating a ski resort that harmonizes with Iceland’s rugged landscape and caters to outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while blending with the surrounding landscape.
02
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability and visual connection with the environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels used throughout the construction improve thermal efficiency and sustainability.
04
A direct heat transfer system inspired by traditional Ondol methods efficiently warms interior spaces.
05
Elevated viewing platforms offer panoramic perspectives of the Icelandic wilderness and ski slopes.

### Project Overview
Located in the Icelandic landscape, the ski resort facility "Interlaced Lens" is designed to provide an exceptional experience for visitors while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. The project focuses on integrating contemporary architectural elements with the terrain, aiming to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The design employs a non-linear arrangement of spaces to facilitate an engaging user experience. Upon entry, visitors encounter a spacious reception area that serves as a central hub connecting various zones—changing rooms, a warming area, and refreshment stations. Each area is intentionally designed to promote interaction with the environment and includes a viewing deck strategically elevated to optimize panoramic views of the ski slopes and surrounding mountains. The thoughtful spatial configuration allows for seamless navigation, with diverse seating arrangements that accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger groups.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette reflects the local geography and traditional construction techniques. The use of dark-colored wood for the exterior cladding helps the structure blend into the volcanic landscape, while concrete provides durability and thermal mass. Expansive glass elements enhance natural light and visual connections to the outdoors. Additionally, the design incorporates innovative heating solutions, such as direct heat transfer systems inspired by traditional methods like Ondol, promoting sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. The selected materials not only tie the design aesthetically to the setting but also prioritize future reusability, minimizing the ecological footprint.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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