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Elevated Stilt Structures Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Expansive Glass Facades Offering Uninterrupted Northern Lights Views

Author:
Agata Jankowska
Elevated Stilt Structures Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Expansive Glass Facades Offering Uninterrupted Northern Lights Views
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Elevated on stilts and utilizing sustainable timber and expansive glass facades, this design integrates seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape to provide guests with unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated stilt design enhances stability and minimizes land disruption.
02
Large glass facades maximize natural light and views of the aurora borealis.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a unique aesthetic.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems promote environmental sustainability.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes snow shedding and structural integrity.

## Overview

"Beds in Northern Lights" is located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, an area renowned for its natural beauty and the display of the Northern Lights. The project seeks to create a series of accommodations that deepen the connection between occupants and the surrounding environment, while prioritizing sustainability and reflecting local cultural aesthetics through deliberate architectural choices.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design employs a modular approach, facilitating adaptability and scalability according to varied site conditions and occupancy needs. Each unit is elevated on stilts to mitigate land impact and enhance engagement with the landscape, offering expansive views of the natural surroundings and the sky. The arrangement promotes communal interactions through shared spaces, such as a primary building designed as a hub for social activities, while maintaining individual privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project emphasizes sustainable material choices, prominently using timber that aligns with local construction practices and minimizes carbon emissions. Expansive glass windows are strategically integrated to maximize natural light and exterior views, particularly showcasing the Northern Lights. The structural elements incorporate steel or reinforced concrete for durability against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the design incorporates geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels to harness renewable energy, and rainwater collection mechanisms to support self-sufficient water management, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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