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Hempcrete Insulation and Metal Cladding in a Sustainable Ski House Design

Hempcrete Insulation and Metal Cladding in a Sustainable Ski House Design
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With a distinctive roof slope that maximizes natural light and a ski ramp providing direct access to the slopes, the ski house integrates hempcrete insulation and metal cladding to create a sustainable space for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
The ski house utilizes hempcrete insulation for improved thermal performance and sustainability.
02
A unique ski ramp design facilitates direct outdoor access while enhancing user experience.
03
The building orientation optimizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Metal cladding provides durability and low maintenance while blending with the alpine setting.
05
Roof slopes of varying degrees effectively manage snow runoff and enhance architectural aesthetics.

## Architectural Design Report: Ski House in Iceland

### Overview
Located within a vibrant alpine environment in Iceland, the ski house is designed to functionally address the needs of ski enthusiasts while respecting the natural landscape. This facility combines accommodation with recreational amenities, offering a dedicated space for relaxation and sport within the geographical context of the surrounding mountains and the phenomena of the Northern Lights. The design efficiently organizes various functions to enhance user experience while integrating harmoniously with its environment.

### Spatial Organization
The layout consists of three distinct divisions, each serving specific user interactions: a relaxing area, a sports division, and a central circulation zone. The relaxing division features a 30-degree angled roof that optimizes views of the mountainous terrain and the Northern Lights. This section includes a warmth space and garage, ensuring a visual connection with the landscape. The sports division incorporates a 15-degree ramp for safe skier access, providing designated areas for equipment storage and facilitating orderly user movement. The central division is characterized by a welcoming 60-degree roof slope that floods the space with natural light, incorporating secondary entrances for smaller groups while maintaining efficient circulation for larger gatherings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
In alignment with ecological intentions, the building employs sustainable materials such as metal paneling for durability, concrete for structural stability, and hempcrete insulation for its carbon absorption properties. Interior wood finishes in birch and pine provide warmth, contrasting with the exterior’s modern aesthetic. Additionally, non-slip rubber flooring is utilized in wet areas to enhance safety. Environmental strategies include solar panels integrated into the roof, rainwater harvesting systems, and strategic orientation to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial heating and illumination.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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