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Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat with Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Aurora Views

Author:
Tylor Payne Payne
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat with Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Aurora Views
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Crafted with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this retreat offers panoramic views of the Northern Lights while providing an immersive guest experience in Iceland's natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and structural integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural insulation and aesthetic contrast against the landscape.
03
Built-in water features reflect the auroras, creating dynamic visual experiences.
04
Guest houses feature mobile units that can be repositioned for optimal sky views.
05
Geothermal energy systems supply heating and power, aligning with environmental best practices.

### Overview
The retreat is situated near Mývatn Lake in northern Iceland, designed to provide an immersive experience for travelers seeking to observe the Aurora Borealis. The architectural intent is to foster a deep connection between the constructed environment and the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing the visitor experience through innovative design elements.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout includes multiple guest houses strategically oriented to provide unobstructed views of the sky and the dynamic landscape. Each guest house employs a modern interpretation of traditional Icelandic architecture, featuring large windows that invite natural light and highlight the display of the Northern Lights. The dining hall is designed with a terraced configuration, encouraging social interaction while maximizing visual engagement with the environment. Throughout the site, water features—such as shallow pools and interactive fountains—are thoughtfully integrated to reflect and complement the colors of the aurora, thus enriching the sensory experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a selection of sustainable materials to align with its ecological goals. Wood, likely sourced from local forests, is used to enhance the warmth and aesthetic of the buildings, while extensive glass installations ensure transparency and proximity to nature. Steel elements provide structural integrity, capable of withstanding the local climate, and stone is incorporated into pathways and structural features, reinforcing a connection with the regional geology. Additionally, the retreat harnesses geothermal energy for heating water and electricity, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and promote responsible tourism.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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