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Hexagonal Cabins Featuring Climate-Resilient PVC and Renewable Energy Solutions

Authors:
Diana Martin-ioja, Ioana Suceava
Hexagonal Cabins Featuring Climate-Resilient PVC and Renewable Energy Solutions
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Constructed with hexagonal modules and durable PVC panels, these sustainable cabins harness renewable energy sources to provide flexible accommodation for trekkers in Iceland's harsh landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from hexagonal modules, allowing flexible configurations for varying group sizes.
02
Exterior utilizes durable PVC panels designed for weather resilience in harsh climates.
03
Integrated rainwater collection systems enhance sustainability and resource management.
04
Equipped with wind turbines and photovoltaic panels for self-sufficient energy generation.
05
Designed to mimic natural geological forms, blending seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape.

### Project Overview
The Metamorphic Icelandic Trekking Cabins are strategically designed to support trekkers in the varied terrains of Iceland. Located within a diverse ecological context, the project aims to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining a respectful integration with the natural landscape. The design prioritizes modularity, allowing for adaptable configurations that accommodate different group sizes and functions, thus enhancing user experience in remote locations.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality
The cabins utilize a hexagonal modular arrangement that mirrors the structural characteristics of Iceland's basalt columns, ensuring both stability and aesthetic coherence with local geological features. Each unit can be configured to house between two and ten occupants, with designated areas for sleeping, living, and essential services. The interior is constructed primarily from sustainable wood, providing a warm atmosphere, while the exterior is fortified with PVC panels to withstand harsh weather conditions. Additional insulation layers enhance thermal efficiency, ensuring a comfortable environment year-round.

### Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability is evident in the incorporation of advanced energy technologies. The cabins feature OLED panels and photovoltaic systems that harness both solar and wind energy, achieving a self-sufficient energy model suitable for remote settings. The innovative design allows for flexible adjustment of solar panels based on sunlight angles, optimizing energy capture. Furthermore, rainwater collection systems, supported by decorative downs and storage containers, enhance resource efficiency while aiding in structural stability against high winds. This comprehensive approach to energy management underscores the project's emphasis on ecological responsibility.

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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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