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Dual Structures of Charred Wood and Local Stone Integrated in a Winter Retreat

Dual Structures of Charred Wood and Local Stone Integrated in a Winter Retreat
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Constructed from charred wood and local stone, the ski lodge features dual mirrored structures designed to blend with the Icelandic landscape while providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced lava rock for enhanced insulation.
02
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize snow runoff.
03
Dual mirrored structures promote symmetry while optimizing space.
04
Incorporates extensive outdoor decks for unobstructed landscape views.
05
Features communal gathering areas designed for social interaction among guests.

### Project Overview
Tvíburatoppar, situated in a valley northeast of Lake Mývatn in Iceland, functions as a ski lodge designed to coexist with the local environment. The facility emphasizes functionality for winter sports enthusiasts while fostering social interaction among visitors. The architectural strategy prioritizes integration with the surrounding landscape, achieved through the design of two mirrored buildings that reflect the symmetry of the natural environment and optimize usable space.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The layout of Tvíburatoppar is organized to facilitate fluid movement between service areas, enhancing the overall skiing experience. Communal spaces are deliberately designed to encourage interaction among guests, offering areas for relaxation and refreshment. The proximity to the ski lift minimizes travel distances for users, thus improving accessibility to ski slopes. Additionally, the incorporation of outdoor decks and seating areas complements the indoor relaxation zones, allowing visitors to engage with their surroundings in various ways.

### Material Considerations and Construction Techniques
The structural integrity of Tvíburatoppar is reinforced through the careful selection of materials that emphasize sustainability and practicality. Concrete forms the foundation and walls, ensuring thermal stability, while locally sourced wood infuses warmth into the interior. Steel sheets facilitate efficient drainage on the roof, and lava rock is integrated into the walls for both insulation and a connection to Iceland’s geological heritage. Traditional building techniques, such as the use of structural timber frames, minimize waste and promote local craftsmanship. The design incorporates innovative water management systems to mitigate snow accumulation, ensuring long-term durability against severe weather conditions.

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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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