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Charring Wood and Basalt Stone Unite in Sustainable Alpine Shelter

Charring Wood and Basalt Stone Unite in Sustainable Alpine Shelter
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Utilizing charred wood and basalt stone, the design creates a functional space that harmonizes with the alpine landscape, serving as a winter retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique for charred wood facade.
02
Incorporates locally sourced basalt stone for flooring.
03
Features expansive panoramic windows to connect interior and exterior.
04
Designed with a self-service area to enhance community interaction.
05
Offers dedicated snow grooming equipment storage for operational efficiency.

### Project Overview
The Mývatn Ski Snow Cabin is located in the picturesque landscape of Mývatn, Iceland, designed to serve as a refuge for winter sports enthusiasts. The architecture prioritizes a connection with the surrounding natural environment, integrating functional spaces for recreation, relaxation, and equipment management. The facility emphasizes user experience and comfort while maintaining harmony with its alpine context.

### Spatial Strategy
The floor plan is crafted to accommodate the specific needs of a ski lodge, featuring designated areas for rest, equipment usage, and social interaction. Key components include:
- **Rest and Warming Areas**: Generously sized and equipped with panoramic windows, these spaces allow for ample natural light and open vistas of the Icelandic landscape, promoting relaxation.
- **Equipment Check and Tuning Station**: Positioned for easy accessibility, this area facilitates efficient preparation for skiing activities.
- **Communal Nourishment Station**: This self-service area is designed to encourage interaction among guests, fostering a sense of community within the cabin.
- **Snow Groomer Garage**: An essential feature aimed at supporting operational efficiency by providing dedicated space for equipment maintenance.
- **Sanitary Facilities**: Strategically located to enhance user comfort, these facilities are integrated throughout the building.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials underscores both sustainability and aesthetic coherence within the project:
- **LT Wood (Shuratan)**: Utilized for structural and decorative elements, this wood provides warmth and aligns with the local environmental context.
- **Basalt Stone Flooring**: This durable material connects to Iceland’s geological heritage, enhancing both practicality and style.
- **Burnt Wood Facade Cladding**: Utilizing the Shou Sugi Ban technique, this cladding not only protects against harsh weather but also contributes to the tactile quality of the exterior.

This careful selection of materials ensures that the cabin is not only visually appealing but also resilient and sustainable, reinforcing its integration with the site’s natural elements. The design minimizes its ecological footprint through efficient water management and waste treatment solutions.

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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.

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