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Elevated Eco-Friendly Cabins Featuring Aluminum Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Bogdan Chipara
Elevated Eco-Friendly Cabins Featuring Aluminum Cladding and Expansive Glazing in Icelandic Landscapes
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Constructed with elevated aluminum-clad structures and expansive glazing, these cabins are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a unique retreat experience amid Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground disturbance and preserves local ecosystems.
02
Aluminum cladding enhances durability against harsh weather conditions.
03
Modular configuration allows flexible accommodation for various guest needs.
04
Expansive glazing maximizes natural light and promotes views of the landscape.
05
Sustainable building practices include solar energy integration and recyclable materials.

### Overview
The Bird Eyes trekking cabins are located in the rugged terrains of Iceland, intentionally designed to respect the region's unique geological features and support the increasing demands of eco-tourism. These modular cabins provide visitors with a sustainable accommodation option that encourages immersion in the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design invokes traditional Icelandic forms, characterized by steep, pitched roofs that mirror the surrounding mountain silhouettes. This approach allows the cabins to blend seamlessly with their environment while providing modern amenities. Elevated on stilts, the cabins minimize soil disturbance, thereby protecting the delicate ecosystems below and enhancing visitor access to remote areas. The modular configuration includes sleeping units, communal lounges, and operational spaces tailored to meet varying usage requirements, fostering flexibility for diverse visitor groups.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes environmental sustainability and durability. Aluminum panels form the exterior, offering resilience against extreme weather conditions while maintaining a lightweight profile. Interior spaces utilize plywood and timber to evoke warmth and a sense of connection to the natural setting. Large glass windows and doors enhance daylight penetration and panoramic views, enriching the visitor experience. The incorporation of recyclable insulation and a steel framework ensures energy efficiency while supporting the elevated design. The overall construction reflects a commitment to renewable resources, including solar energy systems, aligning with Iceland’s sustainability objectives.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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