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Elevated Cabins with Panoramic Views Crafted from Local Timber and Corrugated Sheeting

Authors:
Maximilian Xaver Pfaffinger, Jonas Baedeker
Elevated Cabins with Panoramic Views Crafted from Local Timber and Corrugated Sheeting
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Constructed with a wooden frame and characterized by mobile units that provide panoramic views, these elevated cabins in Iceland offer a sustainable retreat for visitors seeking an immersive Northern Lights experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated cabins use screw foundations to minimize land disturbance.
02
Mobile units within the cabins allow for flexible interior layouts.
03
Large glass panels provide uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.
04
Construction incorporates locally sourced materials for sustainability.
05
Each cabin is strategically oriented for optimal natural light and sightlines.

### Project Overview

Located in Skíðadalur, Iceland, the Point of View project comprises a series of cabins specifically designed for optimal observation of the Northern Lights. The intent is to create a modern living environment that harmonizes with the natural landscape while catering to visitors and locals. The design emphasizes minimalism and sustainability, focusing on enhancing the viewing experience of the auroras without compromising the ecological integrity of the site.

### Structural Configuration and Materiality

The cabins utilize a dual-component structure, featuring a robust wooden frame complemented by a mobile box housing the essential living amenities. This configuration allows flexibility in the design, as the mobile units can be repositioned as needed. Key materials include sustainably sourced wood, providing insulation and durability, and corrugated sheeting for weather resistance. Aluminum serves as a protective layer, enhancing the longevity of the cabins, while large windows facilitate expansive views of the surrounding landscape and sky. The main building components, such as the host's house and barn, are constructed of concrete to ensure durability for livestock management without disrupting the scenic environment.

### Design Layout and Sustainability

Each cabin is designed to accommodate 1-4 guests and includes a kitchenette, bathroom, and versatile sleeping area. Movable furniture allows for adaptable use of space for various activities. The cabins feature elevated screw foundations to minimize ground disturbance and provide adequate drainage, alongside renewable energy technologies like solar panels for sustainable power. Orientation is carefully considered for optimal views of the auroras at night and the Icelandic landscape by day. An interconnected pathway system links guest areas to shared facilities, ensuring minimal environmental impact while enhancing accessibility to common spaces such as restaurants and saunas.

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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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