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Charred Wooden Shingles and Triangular Forms Enrich Sustainable Lodging Experience

Author:
Gabriel Márquez Torres
Charred Wooden Shingles and Triangular Forms Enrich Sustainable Lodging Experience
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Triangular roofs adorned with charred wooden shingles create a visually distinct structure designed to provide sustainable accommodation with a focus on environmental harmony and user experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular roofs enhance structural stability while optimizing views of the northern lights.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide sustainable weather resistance unique to the local environment.
03
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid assembly and efficient insulation.
04
A modular layout facilitates flexible accommodation arrangements and future expansion.
05
Hydraulic bases ensure adaptability to varying ground conditions while maintaining structural integrity.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, the design of the Northern Light Rooms is rooted in the region's natural features and cultural heritage. The intent is to create a space that harmonizes with the landscape while emphasizing the interplay of light and fire. This project seeks to offer visitors a contemplative experience by reconnecting them with nature, utilizing architectural symbols that resonate with both the environment and Icelandic culture.

### Spatial Configuration
The masterplan adopts a triangular footprint that facilitates relationships among various groups, including visitors, hosts, and horses. This layout introduces a clear spatial hierarchy, defining zones for entry, the main house, parking, and accommodation. The triangular arrangement optimizes views of the northern lights and fosters a cohesive flow between the interior and exterior environments.

Modular components are central to the design, consisting of three flexible units: services, restrooms, and living areas. Each module is thoughtfully equipped with essentials such as entrances, storage, and bathrooms, ensuring practical usability for diverse visitor needs. Additionally, vertical and horizontal elements within the elevations maintain the triangular theme while framing views of the surrounding landscape, and the strategic use of glazing maximizes natural light and thermal efficiency.

### Material Selection
The materials chosen for the Northern Light Rooms play a critical role in reinforcing the project’s connection to the Icelandic landscape. A wood frame contributes structural integrity while offering aesthetic warmth. Wooden boards enhance insulation and maintain a natural finish, while metal foil serves as an insulating barrier to address temperature fluctuations. Hydraulic bases allow for modular expansion, ensuring that the design can adapt over time. The overall selection aims to create a tactile experience that resonates with the sensory qualities of the environment.

Collaborative spaces, such as the fire pit in the main house and the transparent living areas, are designed to foster communal interaction under the northern lights, establishing an ambiance that invites social engagement. The architectural form not only addresses practical considerations but also frames the dynamic weather and light conditions, enhancing the immersive experience of the site.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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