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Faceted Cabins Crafted from Titanium and Aerogel Nestled in Iceland's Rugged Landscape

Authors:
Tomas Pina, Adela Varmuzova, Jiri Havlik, Andrea Srolova
Faceted Cabins Crafted from Titanium and Aerogel Nestled in Iceland's Rugged Landscape
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Crafted with a lightweight titanium structure and layered with aerogel insulation, these faceted cabins offer trekkers a sustainable refuge against Iceland's extreme weather conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fabricated using a lightweight titanium framework for structural integrity and durability.
02
Incorporates innovative aerogel insulation for superior thermal performance in extreme climates.
03
Features adjustable legs for stability on uneven terrain, enhancing adaptability to site conditions.
04
Utilizes transparent solar panels to optimize natural light while generating renewable energy.
05
Designed with a modular layout for efficient use of space, accommodating varied occupant needs.

### Project Overview

The Iceland Trekking Cabins are located in a remote region of Iceland, characterized by its volcanic and glacial landscape. The design reflects a duality of natural elements—fire and ice—integrating these themes into a cohesive architectural framework that supports the needs of trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Each cabin is intentionally crafted to resonate with the surrounding terrain, utilizing geometric forms that echo the area's topography.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

Each cabin comprises two primary elements: a mobile core and a protective outer shell. The core, equipped with essential amenities such as an entrance, a small kitchen, storage, and a bathroom, facilitates functional living while maintaining easy access throughout the cabin. The outer shell serves to shield inhabitants from the harsh Icelandic climate while providing additional versatile space that can function as a dining area, bedroom, or lounge. Adjustable legs on the cabins enable stability across varying ground conditions, allowing for adaptability to the rugged environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The design integrates advanced materials selected for their durability and environmental performance. Aerogel, recognized for its lightweight and excellent insulation properties, forms a key component of the thermal envelope. Transparent solar panels contribute to energy efficiency, providing both illumination and power generation while maintaining aesthetic transparency. The use of titanium for the structural framework delivers strength without excessive weight, while basalt fabric and silicate boards offer resistance to environmental stresses. Cryogel further enhances thermal performance, essential for maintaining comfort in extreme weather. The careful selection of these materials aligns with sustainable construction principles, reducing the cabins' ecological footprint and promoting resilience in a challenging climate.

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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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