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Crystalline Facades and Sustainable Materials Define a Snow-Centric Retreat

Crystalline Facades and Sustainable Materials Define a Snow-Centric Retreat
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With crystalline facades that reflect the surrounding alpine landscape and a structure crafted from durable concrete and warm wood accents, the retreat serves as a functional hub for skiing enthusiasts seeking seamless integration with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crystalline facades designed to minimize snow accumulation enhance environmental integration.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer superior thermal performance and sustainable sourcing.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while adding aesthetic contrast.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability in extreme weather conditions.
05
Large panoramic windows create seamless connections between the interior and the alpine landscape.

## Project Overview

Located in Iceland's mountainous terrain, the Ski Snow Cabin represents a thoughtful architectural response to its dramatic environment. The design emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic integration, reflecting the region's unique cultural and geographical characteristics. The intent is to provide a refuge for skiers and nature enthusiasts, creating a cohesive space that invites users to engage deeply with the surrounding landscape.

## Architectural Composition

### Form and Structure
The cabin features angular, crystalline forms that evoke the natural ice formations in the area. This sculptural design not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes an immersive experience in its snowy context. The structure's geometry is intentionally crafted to blend with its environment while remaining a distinctive element within the landscape.

### Material Usage
A carefully selected combination of materials defines the cabin's identity:

- **Concrete** provides durability and insulation, essential for withstanding the region's severe weather conditions.
- **Glass** elements maximize natural light and offer expansive views, effectively merging the indoor and outdoor environments.
- **Wood** used in interior spaces introduces warmth and texture, creating a contrast with the more rigid concrete and glass.
- **Metal** enhances the structural integrity while maintaining the overall design elegance.

This strategic selection of materials addresses practical requirements and enhances the emotional connection visitors experience with the Icelandic landscape through the cabin's physical presence.

## Sustainable Practices and Functionality

The design integrates sustainable practices, featuring renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines to minimize the carbon footprint. The structure's crystalline shape is optimized to reduce snow accumulation, facilitating easier maintenance during harsh winters.

Functionality is prioritized throughout the design, with features that include direct access to skiing routes, communal gathering spaces that encourage social interaction, and strategically placed windows that frame panoramic views of the surrounding nature. The careful arrangement of spaces and the effective use of materials contribute to both acoustic and thermal performance, fostering a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation and social engagement.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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