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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Panels Create a Retreat Designed for Northern Lights Experiences

Authors:
Chiara Fiorindo, Fjolla Sllovinja, Philip Jonathan Kolevsohn
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Panels Create a Retreat Designed for Northern Lights Experiences
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the retreat seamlessly integrates into the Icelandic landscape, providing an intimate setting for guests to experience the Northern Lights in comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved insulation and strength.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame architecture to optimize views of the Northern Lights.
04
Incorporates locally sourced materials to reinforce environmental sustainability.
05
Combines private lodging units with communal spaces to foster social interaction.

### Overview
Aurora Ranch is situated in rural Iceland, designed to facilitate an immersive experience centered around the Northern Lights. The retreat integrates functionality with a visual connection to the surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from local architectural traditions. Its layout promotes social interaction while ensuring private spaces for guests, fostering an environment conducive to both community and solitude.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The site is organized in a hierarchical manner, transitioning from communal areas to private accommodations. The central communal building features a vibrant kitchen and gathering spaces around a large fireplace, promoting social engagement. Adjacent to these shared facilities, a sauna and outdoor steam bath enhance the relaxation experience. Private lodging units, strategically placed throughout the site, offer panoramic views of the sky, making the Northern Lights an integral element of the architecture. This careful arrangement allows guests to participate in communal activities while also retreating to personal spaces.

### Material and Design Details
The selection of materials emphasizes both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Locally sourced timber panels are utilized for both interior and exterior applications, contributing to a warm atmosphere. High-performance thermal insulation ensures comfort in the cold climate, while glass elements maximize natural light and views. The project also addresses environmental conditions through the use of thermal ground beams for stability and reinforced elements for wind resistance. Overall, the careful integration of these materials facilitates a strong relationship between the occupants and the natural environment, enriching the experience of the Northern Lights.

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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.

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