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Geothermal Harmony with Birch Wood Accents in Nordic Retreat

Author:
Nicholas Frayne
Geothermal Harmony with Birch Wood Accents in Nordic Retreat
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Utilizing geothermal heating and natural filtration systems, this design incorporates birch wood and large glass elements to create a sustainable retreat that fosters a deep connection with Iceland's stunning landscape while serving as a communal living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes geothermal heating systems to enhance energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates large glass elements for panoramic views of the Northern Lights.
03
Constructed with locally sourced birch wood to minimize environmental impact.
04
Features sleeping pods designed for optimal stargazing experiences.
05
Integrates natural filtration fields for sustainable water management.

## Overview
Located in Iceland, the Aurora House project comprises a series of interconnected structures, including Guest Houses, Host Houses, and Light Pods. The intent is to create a living environment that balances privacy with communal spaces, allowing occupants to engage with the surrounding landscape while enjoying contemporary amenities. The design aims to reflect the unique topography of Iceland, promoting environmental stewardship and enhancing guest experiences.

## Spatial Configuration
The project features a deliberate spatial organization that comprises three main elements:
- **Guest Houses**: These smaller structures cater to intimate groups, offering private living spaces with accessible paths to communal areas for social interaction.
- **Host Houses**: Functioning as the central gathering space, Host Houses are equipped with large windows and expansive balconies that foster community engagement while inviting the outdoors inside.
- **Sleeping Pods**: Designed for privacy, these innovative sleeping units offer unique opportunities for observing the night sky and the auroras, enhancing the immersive experience of the Icelandic landscape. Each component supports a dual focus on individual solitude and community connection, promoting a balanced lifestyle.

## Material Choices and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects both aesthetic considerations and environmental responsibility:
- **Double Glazed Clear Shells** provide expansive views while ensuring thermal efficiency and minimizing visual obstruction.
- **Birch Wood** is employed throughout the structure for flooring and walls, aligning with local vegetation and promoting sustainability.
- **Photovoltaic Panels** are integrated to harness solar energy, contributing to the project's overall sustainability goals.

Additionally, various eco-friendly techniques are implemented:
- **Geothermal Heating** systems utilize underground sources to manage indoor temperatures sustainably.
- **Natural Filtration Fields** are incorporated for effective water management, promoting a self-sustaining ecosystem within the development.

The design utilizes the landscape's topography to maximize views while ensuring the buildings are harmoniously integrated into the environment, specifically oriented to take advantage of the natural light and auroras characteristic of the region.

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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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