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Charred Wooden Shingles Define a Sustainable Lodge Integrated with Natural Landscapes

Charred Wooden Shingles Define a Sustainable Lodge Integrated with Natural Landscapes
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Designed with charred wooden shingles that integrate seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, the lodge offers a functional retreat for skiing enthusiasts while prioritizing sustainability and a connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic integration with the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and reduces snow accumulation on the roof.
04
Passive solar strategies are employed to maximize natural heating in winter months.
05
Strategically placed windows offer panoramic views of the Icelandic terrain, enhancing guest experience.

### Overview
Rauði Ísberginn Lodge is located in Iceland and embodies a synthesis of traditional Icelandic architectural elements with modern design strategies. This ski lodge is designed to establish a connection with its natural surroundings while promoting sustainable practices. The lodge references historical "turf houses" and is shaped to evoke the forms of icebergs, which aligns with its name, translating to "The Red Iceberg."

### Spatial Strategy
The interior arrangement of the lodge is strategically developed across multiple levels to balance functionality and comfort. Entry-level features include storage areas for skiing equipment, facilitating a smooth transition for guests from outdoor activities to relaxation. The main level is designed as a communal hub, featuring a central fireplace, a kitchen for guest nourishment, and an information area to enhance local exploration. The upper level prioritizes restful spaces with large windows, allowing for comfortable views of the Northern Lights, while the garage level is dedicated to operational functions, including storage for snow-grooming vehicles.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The lodge employs a diverse palette of materials that are both functional and visually striking. The exterior is clad in durable metal paneling, which withstands Iceland's harsh weather, complemented by warm wood finishes that provide a sense of rustic charm indoors. Concrete is utilized for structural integrity, while expansive glass windows maximize natural light and visual connections to the surroundings. Additionally, sustainable design techniques are incorporated, including passive solar strategies and the use of locally sourced materials, which reinforce the lodge's commitment to minimizing its ecological impact while supporting responsible tourism. The sloped roof design facilitates snow management, and the overall massing integrates the lodge into the landscape, optimizing views of the nearby mountains and forests.

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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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