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In-Situ Concrete Structure Embracing Privacy and Community in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Bijan Thornycroft
In-Situ Concrete Structure Embracing Privacy and Community in Icelandic Landscape
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An exo-skeleton of in-situ concrete encases a series of guest rooms that prioritize privacy and communal living, situated to maximize views of the Icelandic landscape while offering a dynamic connection to shared spaces such as a kitchen and hot tub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exo-skeleton constructed from in-situ concrete provides both structure and insulation.
02
Guest rooms are oriented to maximize natural light and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Shared spaces, including a kitchen and hot tub, foster community interaction among guests.
04
Design draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses, integrating heavy flanking walls.
05
Wooden structures are used to connect various elements, enhancing warmth and visual appeal.

The guesthouse design is set within a beautiful landscape, prominently positioned to enhance views of the nearby mountains. With an emphasis on community living, the structure features a layout that connects individual guest rooms to shared spaces. The design reflects a balance between private retreats and communal areas, aimed at creating a welcoming environment for all guests.

Structural Expression

An exo-skeleton made from in-situ concrete supports the guesthouse. This choice provides stability while insulating the guest rooms from one another. The concrete framework also shields shared spaces from the outdoor climate, ensuring comfort for occupants throughout the year.

Spatial Organization

The layout centers around a channel of shared spaces that includes a kitchen, living room, and hot tub. This arrangement promotes social interaction and underscores the importance of communal living. Guest rooms are oriented toward the East and West to maximize natural light and offer scenic views, enriching the experience of both privacy and community.

Inspiration and Context

The design draws inspiration from Icelandic turf houses, featuring heavy flanking walls that create defined interior areas. This arrangement provides a sense of enclosure while maintaining generous connections to the outside landscape. The balance of indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to engage with nature directly.

Wooden structures tie various elements of the design together, offering a warm contrast to the concrete. This integration contributes to an inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to feel at home in both their private rooms and the communal spaces provided.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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