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Corten Steel Framing and Gabion Walls Create Elevated Guest Accommodations for Aurora Viewing

Author:
Bryan Hicks
Corten Steel Framing and Gabion Walls Create Elevated Guest Accommodations for Aurora Viewing
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Constructed with Corten steel and gabion walls, this project offers movable guest accommodations designed for optimal Aurora Borealis viewing against the backdrop of Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with Corten steel for durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Gabion walls utilize local volcanic rock, enhancing the project's regional connection.
03
Movable guest rooms allow for adaptable placement based on seasonal conditions.
04
Large windows are strategically positioned for optimal views of the Aurora Borealis.
05
A communal space features a wood stove, fostering social interaction among guests.

## Overview

Located in Iceland, the Northern Lights Rooms project aims to provide a lodging experience attuned to the region's unique natural landscape and climate. The design comprises multiple structures strategically positioned to integrate with the environment while offering functional and visually appealing accommodations. This initiative enhances guest interaction with the mesmerizing Auroras Borealis, making the landscape a central component of the stay.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout consists of eight movable guest rooms organized around a winding walking path, promoting ease of movement and encouraging guests to engage with the surrounding terrain. Each room features expansive windows oriented towards the sky, optimizing views of the Northern Lights and reinforcing the connection between the interior spaces and the natural environment. The arrangement of the structures reflects a focus on simplicity and adaptability, inspired by traditional Icelandic architecture, which ensures each room provides a distinctive perspective of the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is integral to the project's design, emphasizing sustainability and a cohesive connection to the surroundings. Corten steel clads the exterior, developing a weathered appearance that harmonizes with the terrain. Structural stability is supported by gabion walls filled with volcanic rock, while limestone veneer and local timber elements introduce natural textures that blend seamlessly with the environment. The design incorporates mineral wool insulation for thermal performance, essential for the Icelandic climate, alongside green roof systems that enhance energy efficiency and foster local vegetation. The use of local gravel for pathways further minimizes environmental impact, reinforcing the project's commitment to preserving the landscape's integrity.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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