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Elevated Pyramidal Shelter Crafted from Larch Wood and Enhanced by Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Elisabeth Van Overbeeke, Joseph Kan
Elevated Pyramidal Shelter Crafted from Larch Wood and Enhanced by Natural Ventilation
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An elevated pyramidal structure, built from larch wood and designed for optimal airflow, provides a communal resting space for hikers along Iceland's Laugavegur Trek.
5 key facts about this project
01
An innovative truncated pyramidal design minimizes land disruption while providing expansive views.
02
Constructed primarily with larch wood, enhancing durability and thermal performance in harsh climates.
03
Features modular units that encourage social interaction among users while maintaining privacy.
04
Incorporates natural ventilation systems to enhance air quality without mechanical support.
05
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems, promoting sustainability in remote locations.

## Overview and Concept
Sky Attics is a modular architectural installation located in Iceland, strategically designed to enhance the hiking experience along the Laugavegur Trek. The project aims to provide essential resting and recovery spaces for trekkers, focusing on sustainability and user-centric functionality while easily integrating with the rugged landscape.

## Design Elements and Structure
The structure features a truncated pyramidal design that references traditional Icelandic architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. Elevated on slender supports, Sky Attics minimizes its environmental footprint, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem. Each individual module accommodates up to four users and includes multipurpose sleeping and living arrangements, featuring integrated sleeping pods that enhance privacy and maximize space efficiency. Access points, including aesthetically designed ladder systems, facilitate movement between levels and contribute to user safety.

## Environmental Integration and Materiality
Sky Attics employs a strategic approach to material selection, utilizing larch wood for its warm features and durability alongside metal cladding for weather resistance. Special consideration has been given to thermal efficiency, with R-25 insulated walls enhancing energy performance. The design incorporates low-flow fixtures and composting toilets, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, solar panels are integrated to support energy needs, while a rainwater harvesting system and large window openings optimize natural ventilation and improve the internal climate, fostering a deep connection with the surrounding environment.

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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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