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Elevated Structure with Wood Framework Embracing Nature and Film

Author:
Chinh Vu
Elevated Structure with Wood Framework Embracing Nature and Film
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An elevated structure framed in wood integrates augmented reality features, inviting community interaction with Iceland's stunning landscape while serving as a cultural hub for film.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design provides a panoramic view of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
02
Incorporates augmented reality for an interactive visitor experience.
03
Wood framework minimizes carbon footprint and enhances sustainability.
04
Located near the Grjótagjá caves and Hverfjall volcano, enriching its context.
05
Interior features a gravel pit that serves as a backdrop for atmospheric lighting.

The Twilight Ark sits above the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Iceland. This unique setting directly influences its design. Serving as a cultural center for film, the structure encourages visitors to explore stories that blend reality and imagination. The design emphasizes harmony with the landscape, while also fostering community involvement in the art of filmmaking.

Architectural Form

The form of the Twilight Ark features an asymmetrical silhouette that resembles the irregular shapes of the surrounding geological features. This thoughtful design allows the building to blend into its environment, enhancing the connection between architecture and nature. Through its elevated design, the structure offers a wide view of the landscape, allowing visitors to feel a sense of openness as they approach.

Interior Layout

Inside, the building is organized into three main areas: an entrance hall, a movie theater, and a lounge. These spaces are designed to receive ample natural light, creating different moods throughout the day. A unique aspect of the design is a pit filled with gravel and atmospheric lighting. This area serves as a backdrop for augmented reality overlays, adding depth to the cinematic experience. Visitors are encouraged to engage actively, stepping into the stories that unfold around them.

Sustainability Focus

Sustainability is a key consideration in the design of the Twilight Ark. The use of a wood framework helps reduce carbon emissions and reinforces the connection to the natural surroundings. This choice shows a commitment to environmental responsibility. The design also includes plans for a demountable structure, which aims to lessen its long-term impact on the landscape, keeping the area close to its natural state.

As visitors arrive along the long wooden pier leading to the Ark, they experience a growing sense of anticipation. This path not only provides access but also prepares them for a journey that intertwines film and the beauty of nature. The design encapsulates a unique experience, inviting everyone to engage with both art and the landscape.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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