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Gabion Stone Walls and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Functional Shelter in Iceland's Rugged Landscape

Gabion Stone Walls and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Functional Shelter in Iceland's Rugged Landscape
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Constructed with gabion stone walls and cross-laminated timber, the facility offers a resilient and environmentally conscious shelter for outdoor enthusiasts in Iceland's rugged terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabion stone walls enhance structural stability while integrating with the local geology.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide thermal efficiency and reduce construction time.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and minimizes wind exposure.
05
A communal fire pit fosters social interaction and connection among users.

### Overview
The shelter for Skíðasvæði Mývetnings, located in Kröfla, Iceland, responds to the challenging climatic conditions and dramatic landscape of the Mývatn region. The design draws inspiration from local heritage, aiming to establish a meaningful connection with its geographic context while incorporating locally sourced materials to enhance its integration into the environment.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement
The layout centrally features an outdoor space, highlighted by a communal fire pit, which serves as the focal point for user interaction. The organization includes distinct functional areas such as a rest and warmth zone equipped with skylights for views of the Northern Lights, changing rooms and showers tailored for skiers and hikers, technical spaces for equipment storage, and a viewing deck that offers sweeping vistas of the landscape. This strategic arrangement enhances visitor flow and promotes engagement with the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality is a critical aspect of the design, ensuring functionality while reinforcing a connection to regional traditions. Specific choices include local stones utilized in gabion walls to add aesthetic appeal and thermal mass, an extensive use of timber providing warmth and versatility in finishes, and concrete for structural durability against harsh weather. The incorporation of a waterproofing membrane addresses moisture concerns, while the overall selection of materials aligns with sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact and respecting the integrity of the local ecosystem. Additionally, the integration of geothermal energy for heating highlights the project’s commitment to contemporary sustainability principles.

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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

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

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