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Metallic Reflections Framing Nature in a Guest House Retreat

Author:
Samuel Hervault
Metallic Reflections Framing Nature in a Guest House Retreat
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Metallic materials reflect the breathtaking landscape of Iceland while enhancing the visual connection to the Hverfjall volcano and northern lights in a guest house designed for community and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Metallic materials reflect the nearby landscape and enhance the connection to nature.
02
Strategically positioned bedrooms maximize views of the Hverfjall volcano.
03
The layout includes both outdoor and indoor hot tubs for immersive relaxation.
04
A central corridor features large windows framing scenic outdoor views.
05
Low building height allows the design to blend into the surrounding terrain.

The Frame: Guest House & Observatory is located in the picturesque landscape of Iceland, designed to provide guests with a close connection to nature. With an emphasis on views of the Hverfjall volcano and the northern lights, the building serves not only as a place to stay but also as a space for community and relaxation. The design brings together modern architecture and traditional ideas of hospitality, resulting in an inviting environment.

First Floor Design

The First Floor contains communal areas that are designed for socializing and dining. Guests can enjoy a common living room, kitchen, and dining area that encourage interaction. These spaces are open and spacious, promoting ease of movement and conversation. Alongside this, both outdoor and indoor hot tubs offer options for leisure, giving occupants the chance to relax while surrounded by stunning scenery. Practical features such as toilets and laundry facilities are included to meet basic needs, ensuring comfort for all visitors.

Ground Floor Layout

The Ground Floor emphasizes large living spaces that create a strong connection to the outdoors. Generous volumes allow natural light to fill the interior, enhancing the overall ambiance. A central corridor provides access to the bedrooms and leads to a large patio, offering more views of the landscape. Bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged to maximize sightlines of the Hverfjall volcano and the northern lights, enriching the experience whenever guests look outside.

Integration and Materiality

The design takes careful consideration of its setting, utilizing a low building height that helps it blend into the landscape and minimizes any ecological impact. Metallic materials are incorporated, reflecting both the surrounding terrain and the captivating play of light at night. This choice of materials creates a visual relationship between the building and nature, enhancing the sense of being immersed in the environment.

The Frame combines a focus on community with a commitment to simplicity in design. Large windows frame breathtaking views, allowing nature to become a part of daily life for its occupants. The overall experience is one of ease and connection, set against the backdrop of Iceland's dramatic and beautiful landscape.

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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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