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Earth-Sheltered Residence Constructed with Turf and High-Performance Glass for Enhanced Thermal Comfort

Earth-Sheltered Residence Constructed with Turf and High-Performance Glass for Enhanced Thermal Comfort
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Constructed with earth-sheltered techniques and high-performance glass, this residence integrates traditional turf materials to optimize thermal efficiency while serving as a modern living space in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with an earth-sheltered approach, the design minimizes environmental impact while enhancing insulation.
02
The use of turf as a primary building material reflects traditional Icelandic construction techniques.
03
Large, strategically placed glass panels optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
04
The bent A-frame design creates an organic silhouette that integrates seamlessly with the landscape.
05
Local timber is employed for structural elements, ensuring sustainability and cultural relevance.

**Project Overview**
Located in Iceland, the Hollow Cabin represents a modern architectural adaptation of the traditional turf house, aiming to blend contemporary design with historical influences. The structure addresses the region's unique climatic and environmental conditions while prioritizing sustainability. The design reflects an understanding of Iceland's dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage, striving to create functional living spaces that resonate with their surroundings.

**Design Methodology**
The design draws inspiration from traditional turf houses, employing organic forms and interconnected spaces. The gentle curves of the cabin mimic the natural topology, allowing it to integrate into the environment. The layout fosters communal interactions through shared living areas while providing private retreats, emphasizing varied user experiences.

**Material Selection**
A carefully curated material palette ensures durability and minimizes environmental impact. Local wood contributes to structural integrity, while earth and turf serve as effective insulating materials, aligning with historical building practices. High-performance glass is utilized to maximize natural light and views without compromising thermal efficiency. A steel frame supports large open spaces, allowing for flexibility in function and layout.

**Sustainability Initiatives**
The Hollow Cabin employs passive solar heating and natural ventilation strategies to regulate indoor climate, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The design incorporates the site's topography to shield living areas from cold winds, enhancing thermal comfort. The careful integration of building materials and spatial organization supports ecological balance while respecting the landscape's natural contours.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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