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Geothermal Heating Integration with Basalt Façade and Green Roofing for Seasonal Recreation

Geothermal Heating Integration with Basalt Façade and Green Roofing for Seasonal Recreation
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Employing a basalt façade and an integrated geothermal heating system, the structure uniquely harmonizes with the Mývatn landscape while providing a multifunctional hub for seasonal recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes local basalt stone, ensuring continuity with the surrounding geological features.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the roof, enhancing thermal performance and structural integrity.
03
A green roof is integrated to promote biodiversity and minimize visual impact on the landscape.
04
The design enables passive solar heating through strategically positioned large glass elements.
05
Interactive exhibits within the space educate visitors about the region's geology and ecology.

### Overview

Located in the Mývatn region near the Krafla Caldera in Iceland, the design is informed by the area's natural beauty and geological history. The structure aims to create a meaningful relationship between users and the environment by integrating the concepts of time, nature, and community. The project employs sustainable architectural principles to enhance functionality and aesthetics while remaining sensitive to its ecological context.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The design is inspired by the concept of a sundial, symbolizing the relationship between humans and their environment. A circular form is employed to facilitate adaptability to seasonal changes, accommodating winter sports and warm-weather activities. The architecture creates spaces that invite visitors to engage with the natural surroundings, offering a dynamic experience that reflects the passage of time.

The inverted sundial concept allows sunlight to be harnessed while providing shaded areas for visitors, reinforcing their connection to the environment. Drawing inspiration from local geological features, the structure incorporates shapes reminiscent of volcanic rootless cones, establishing aesthetic and contextual harmony with the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials is integral to both the aesthetic and sustainable aspirations of the design. The façade is constructed from local basalt, ensuring visual continuity with the landscape while providing textural contrast and interaction with light. A prefabricated wooden roof enhances thermal efficiency and adds warmth to the overall composition, counterbalancing the cool tones of the stone. Transparent glass elements establish visual connections with the surrounding nature, while a green roof promotes biodiversity and minimizes environmental impact.

### Interior Organization and Functional Zoning

The interior layout reflects a careful consideration of seasonal usage, delineating public and private spaces to support diverse activities. Functional zones are designated for relaxation, changing facilities for outdoor pursuits, and visitor engagement areas, which include interactive exhibits that highlight the region's geographic and ecological themes.

The design incorporates a low silhouette, optimizing airflow and natural light, and utilizes an underfloor geothermal heating system to enhance energy efficiency. An intuitive circulation system guides users seamlessly through public areas while preserving privacy, fostering an interconnected experience with both the built structure and the natural features of the site.

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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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