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Hexagonal Accommodations with Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Views of the Northern Lights

Authors:
Aki Hamada, Chris Fisher, Musashi Makiyama
Hexagonal Accommodations with Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Views of the Northern Lights
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With charred wooden shingles and hexagonal layouts designed for optimal night sky visibility, the accommodation offers a sustainable experience for guests seeking immersion in the captivating Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Designed with hexagonal layouts to maximize guest views of the Northern Lights.
04
Features green roofs that blend with the landscape and provide natural insulation.
05
Employs geothermal heating to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.

### Project Overview

The Untamed - Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is located in Iceland, a region recognized for its remarkable natural landscapes and the enigmatic Aurora Borealis. The design aims to provide a distinctive hospitality experience, where architecture merges with the environment to emphasize sustainability and foster interaction with the natural surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The project features a spatial arrangement that includes interconnected units designed for flexibility and interaction. Guest accommodations are equipped with large windows to optimize views of the Northern Lights, while adaptable layouts cater to various group sizes and functions. Communal spaces for dining and relaxation are integrated within the design, promoting inclusivity among guests. Outdoor elements, such as fireplaces and seating areas, are thoughtfully positioned to enhance social engagement, providing warmth and comfort in the colder climate.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Sustainability is central to the project's material selection and environmental strategies. The use of rustic wood offers structural integrity and warmth, while large glass elements create transparency and unobstructed views of the sky. Green roofs covered with vegetation help blend the buildings into the landscape. Key environmental features include geothermal heating for energy efficiency, a rainwater harvesting system for resource reuse, wind turbines for renewable energy contribution, and a closed-loop recycling system that minimizes waste. Together, these elements reinforce a commitment to ecological responsibility while enhancing the overall guest experience.

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Enter an open architecture
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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

`
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
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