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Huts Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in Remote Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Daniel Rostan, Marcus Schaarschmidt, Max Umbach, Max Umbach, Max Umbach
Huts Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in Remote Icelandic Landscape
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Constructed from cross-laminated timber panels and accented with charred wooden shingles, these huts offer sustainable accommodation for hikers in Iceland’s remote terrain, emphasizing environmental sensitivity and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Modular construction allows for efficient transport and minimal environmental impact.
05
Integrated green roofs contribute to insulation and rainwater management.

The Nordurljos huts are situated within the Las Águilas Mountain Range in Iceland, designed specifically for hikers navigating the country’s rugged terrains. This project seeks to create a sustainable accommodation solution that respects the surrounding natural landscape while embodying principles of functionality and cultural sensitivity. The design draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic architecture, integrating contemporary materials and efficiencies to enhance user experience.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization
The huts utilize a modular structure that allows for prefabrication, optimizing construction timelines and minimizing ecological disruption. Angular rooftops reflect the mountainous environment, creating a profile that aligns with the landscape's aesthetics. Spatially, the layout is divided into designated zones: a community center fosters social interaction, while private sleeping modules ensure comfort and privacy. Essential facilities, including restrooms and showers, incorporate efficient water management systems, contributing to the overall functionality of the design.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials emphasizes both local sourcing and sustainability. Wood is employed for wall cladding, providing warmth and aligning with eco-friendly practices, while local stone contributes to structural integrity and thermal efficiency. Green roof systems enhance insulation and facilitate rainwater management, further integrating the huts into the natural ecosystem. Renewable energy solutions, such as wind turbines and solar panels, are proposed to support the huts' energy needs, aligned with a zero waste philosophy aimed at minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

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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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