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Gabien Walls and Coated Rebar Create Inviting Visitor Experience Amidst Dramatic Landscapes

Authors:
Jeffrey Wigen, Lauren Mcphillips
Gabien Walls and Coated Rebar Create Inviting Visitor Experience Amidst Dramatic Landscapes
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Gabien walls and coated rebar define a network of pathways and observation points that enhance visitor engagement in a dramatic landscape, offering a new space for exploration and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabien walls are filled with local rock, enhancing environmental integration.
02
Coated rebar provides structural support while maintaining visual continuity.
03
The design features multiple observation points to maximize landscape views.
04
Pathways encourage exploration and connect key areas of the visitor center.
05
The project emphasizes accessibility, ensuring ease of movement for all visitors.

CLOUDSCAPE CODEX is set in a notable geographical area featuring Lake Mývatn, Hverfjall, and Grjótgjá. The design focuses on enhancing the visitor experience through well-planned pathways and observation points. It creates a strong connection between nature and the man-made environment, encouraging exploration and interaction with the site.

Pathways and Accessibility

The design includes a network of pathways that guide visitors throughout the space. Important features like the Path to Kvennagjá Entrance and the Floating Path help with mobility while promoting a natural exploration of the landscape. These paths not only allow movement but also provide places to pause and take in the scenery.

Observation Points

Carefully positioned observation points play an important role in the overall experience. The View of Gabien Walls from the Eurasian Plate stands out, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the landscape from a distinct perspective. This approach helps people feel connected to the surrounding natural beauty, enhancing their understanding of the site.

Material Use and Aesthetics

Materials selected for the project include coated rebar, gabien walls filled with local rock, and steel-clad concrete pylons. These choices support the structural needs while also aiming to blend with the local environment. The gabien walls integrate well into the setting, providing a sense of continuity and enhancing the visual appeal of the design.

The thoughtful arrangement of pathways, views, and materials creates an engaging experience for visitors. Each component works together, inviting people to explore and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them. The design encourages a meaningful relationship between the setting and the visitor, making the experience memorable.

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

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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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