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Grounded Concrete Form Embracing Views of Hverfjall

Authors:
Vince Kesuma, Celine Halim, Tam Nguyen
Grounded Concrete Form Embracing Views of Hverfjall
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The design incorporates a grounded concrete form that reflects the local landscape of Hverfjall while offering varied spatial experiences within a guesthouse setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a series of carvings inspired by the Hverfjall Volcano.
02
The guesthouse includes three distinct viewing conditions to enhance user experience.
03
The pitched roof references traditional Nordic Longhouses, linking modernity with heritage.
04
Concrete is used as a primary material to establish a sense of permanence in the landscape.
05
Light and shadow play a significant role in shaping the interior atmosphere throughout the day.

"Geometries of a Site" is located within the captivating landscape of Iceland and serves as a guesthouse. The design aims to blend with its environment, creating a strong bond between the building and the natural surroundings. It celebrates the area's geological features while providing a practical and comfortable space for visitors.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on merging the guesthouse with its setting, allowing the structure to respond to the landscape. By adapting to natural influences, the building tells a story about its location. The use of thoughtful details enhances the connection with nature, making the architecture more relatable to its context.

Viewing Conditions

The guesthouse is organized around three distinct viewing conditions: below ground, ground level, and above ground. Each level offers a different experience, inviting visitors to engage with the landscape in unique ways. This arrangement encourages a relationship between the occupants and the environment, allowing them to experience the beauty of nature from various perspectives.

Cultural References

The pitched roof design draws inspiration from the gable roofs of traditional Nordic Longhouses. This choice connects the guesthouse to local history and acknowledges past architectural practices. It serves as a reminder of the region's cultural roots while simultaneously reflecting modern sensibilities.

Materiality

Pure concrete plays a central role in the project’s expression. It provides structural support while forming a simple yet effective visual statement. This choice of material underscores a sense of permanence and aligns the building with the rugged Icelandic landscape.

Light fills the spaces, creating dynamic shadows that change throughout the day. This movement enhances the atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel more connected to the site and its natural surroundings.

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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

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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