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Dichroic Glass Facades and Movable Units for Community Retreats in Iceland

Authors:
Ravine Mangala, Ellen Spurlock, Lourdes Cruzhidalgo, Blaire Davis
Dichroic Glass Facades and Movable Units for Community Retreats in Iceland
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Utilizing movable guest units with dichroic glass facades, this architecture offers an immersive experience for visitors seeking to witness the Northern Lights while fostering communal connections in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable guest units allow for flexible positioning to maximize views of the Northern Lights.
02
Dichroic glass facades create dynamic color reflections that enhance the visual experience.
03
Reinforced concrete utilizes volcanic ash, ensuring sustainability and durability in harsh climates.
04
The layout promotes community interaction through shared spaces, emphasizing social engagement.
05
Timber elements provide warmth while integrating seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape.

### Overview

The Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is located in a visually striking region of Iceland, designed to accommodate visitors seeking an immersive experience of the Aurora Borealis. It focuses on creating a balance between communal interaction and individual retreat, drawing inspiration from Icelandic village traditions. The layout promotes both shared experiences and the opportunity for solitude, reflecting the connection between architecture and the surrounding natural environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Program Design

The site selection along the northern edge of the property maximizes visibility of the Northern Lights, while the design takes advantage of the landscape's natural topography to inform the arrangement of structures. Key programmatic elements include movable guest homes, each designed to accommodate 2-4 guests. These homes can rotate on a track system, allowing for optimal positioning relative to the auroras, while also facilitating community gatherings. Shared spaces include a social viewing terrace equipped with fire pits for communal enjoyment and an open kitchen and dining area to encourage interaction among guests. Private accommodations are designed to offer tranquility and comfort, ensuring a retreat-like experience.

### Material Composition

Material selection is pivotal in achieving both aesthetic coherence and functional resilience within the harsh Icelandic climate. Dichroic glass is employed to enhance the visual appeal of the guest homes, reflecting the changing colors of the night sky. Reflective metal siding provides durability and integrates the structures with the landscape, while wood is utilized for its warmth in both interiors and communal spaces. Additionally, volcanic ash reinforced concrete is used for structural elements, ensuring long-term sustainability amidst environmental challenges.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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