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Glass Domes and Charred Wood Create Cohesive Trekking Shelters in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Jennifer Minjee Son
Glass Domes and Charred Wood Create Cohesive Trekking Shelters in Icelandic Landscape
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Constructed with glass domes and charred wood, these modular trekking shelters provide a sustainable and integrated living experience within the rugged Icelandic landscape for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a combination of glass domes and charred wood, optimizing thermal performance and aesthetics.
02
Each modular unit is prefabricated for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing flexibility in seasonal use.
03
Incorporates renewable energy systems, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, for self-sufficiency.
04
The bent A-frame design enhances stability while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Emphasizes communal interaction with designated shared spaces, fostering connections among trekkers.

## Project Overview
Located throughout Iceland, the architectural design comprises a series of trekking caves intended to enrich the outdoor trekking experience within the country's diverse landscapes. The project is conceived with a commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between built structures and their natural contexts. These caves provide essential shelter while facilitating a deeper engagement with Iceland's remarkable vistas.

## Modular Design and Integration
The trekking caves employ a modular and prefabricated construction approach, termed "Core & Shell Assemble." This method allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, adapting to seasonal requirements for temporary accommodations. Each cave unit is designed with a focus on transparency, incorporating features such as glass domes that offer expansive views while ensuring protection from the elements. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, underscores the project’s dedication to sustainable living.

## Material Selection and Spatial Organization
Material choices play a pivotal role in achieving both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Glass-reinforced plastic is utilized for the dome structures, providing both translucency and necessary structural support. Each unit includes prefabricated facilities designed to meet varying user needs, including distinct kitchen, seating, and sleeping areas, and a separate bathroom unit. The spatial arrangement is strategically organized to foster movement and interaction, with a central core linking to different zones while maximizing natural light and scenic views. The overall design promotes a communal atmosphere while ensuring privacy in sleeping quarters, enhancing the overall user experience.

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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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