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Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter with Solar Integration for Sustainable Hiking Retreat

Authors:
Gavin Murray, Sean Douglas
Cross-Laminated Timber Shelter with Solar Integration for Sustainable Hiking Retreat
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Constructed from cross-laminated timber and equipped with solar power, the structure integrates modular design with sustainability to serve as a functional shelter for hikers navigating Iceland's rugged terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular cross-laminated timber, allowing for efficient prefabrication and assembly.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that enhance weather resistance and reflect traditional Icelandic building methods.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity while maximizing interior space.
04
Utilizes passive solar heating techniques integrated into the roof design for energy efficiency.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, minimizing environmental impact and maintaining natural aesthetics.

## Overview

The Stacked Bothy is a design initiative located within Iceland's diverse landscapes, aimed at reinterpreting traditional hiking cabins. This project addresses the challenges presented by the rugged topography, often marked by extreme weather conditions, while providing essential amenities for trekkers. By combining contemporary architectural practices with traditional forms, the design promotes modular construction and sustainability, advocating for responsible tourism along popular trekking routes.

## Spatial Organization

The Stacked Bothy features a two-level configuration, designed for efficiency and comfort. The ground floor encompasses communal areas for cooking, socializing, as well as facilities for showers and toilets, enhancing the overall user experience. The upper level serves as a sleeping loft, maximizing natural light and views through its careful orientation and angled roof design. This layout not only respects functional needs but also facilitates rainwater collection and solar panel installation, reinforcing the building's environmental integration.

## Material and Sustainability

Sustainability is central to the material selection of the Stacked Bothy. Key components include cross laminated timber (CLT) for its structural resilience and low carbon footprint, lightweight cladding that enhances both insulation and overall building weight, and precast concrete for foundational stability. The incorporation of aluminum window shutters offers security and thermal efficiency. Collectively, these materials underscore a commitment to reducing ecological impact while maintaining a robust architectural presence in the landscape. The design also accommodates renewable energy solutions, embedding wind and solar power technologies within its framework to further enhance self-sufficiency.

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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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