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Elevated Habitat with Sustainable Timber and Solar Integration in Iceland's Wilderness

Authors:
Jan Hajek, Daniela Barancova
Elevated Habitat with Sustainable Timber and Solar Integration in Iceland's Wilderness
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Elevated on a screw-pile foundation, the cabin incorporates sustainable timber and solar panels to create a functional shelter, harmonizing with Iceland's rugged landscape while providing communal accommodation for trekkers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design on a screw-pile foundation minimizes ground disturbance.
02
Incorporates solar panels for renewable energy to support operations.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
04
Interior layout balances communal and private spaces for social interaction and privacy.
05
Extensive glazing provides panoramic views while maximizing natural light.

## Overview
Located in the rugged terrain of Iceland, the Trekking Cabin is designed to serve as a functional refuge for trekkers in a remote landscape. The project aims to minimize ecological impact while creating a structure that reflects both contemporary design principles and traditional Icelandic architecture. The cabin is situated above the sloping ground to preserve the delicate ecosystem, showcasing a harmonious balance between architecture and nature.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The material choices for the cabin are guided by considerations of durability and environmental compatibility. Structural timber provides a lightweight yet sturdy frame, while spruce plywood is used for wall cladding, enhancing thermal performance. Steel components are incorporated in the foundation and support structures for added stability. Furthermore, solar panels are integrated into the design, contributing to renewable energy needs, and rainwater harvesting systems are installed to promote sustainability.

## Spatial Configuration
Internally, the cabin prioritizes communal engagement while also offering private sleeping quarters. The layout features a central communal area designed to facilitate social interaction among guests, complemented by modern amenities. Each sleeping area is designed with privacy and comfort in mind, and strategically placed windows enhance natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. The use of natural wood finishes throughout helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere, essential for relaxation after outdoor activities. The design reflects careful consideration of user experience, fostering a balance between shared and personal spaces.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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