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Mobile Lodging Featuring Geothermal Energy and Sustainable Timber Facades

Authors:
Maria Canepa, Andrea Quartara, Pietro Calciano
Mobile Lodging Featuring Geothermal Energy and Sustainable Timber Facades
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The mobile units, constructed with sustainable timber facades and equipped with geothermal energy systems, offer guests an immersive experience under the Northern Lights while minimizing environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile units allow flexible repositioning for optimal aurora viewing.
02
Geothermal energy systems ensure efficient heating and sustainability.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durability while integrating with the landscape.
05
The bent A-frame design minimizes wind resistance and maximizes light capture.

### Project Overview

"Iceland Northern Lights Rooms" is situated in the diverse landscapes of Iceland, designed to enhance visitor engagement with the natural environment, specifically the Northern Lights. The project emphasizes mobility, sustainability, and a connection to Iceland’s striking geographical features, seeking to create a unique visitor experience in harmony with its surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Design

The architectural layout comprises distinct functional zones, including guest rooms, common areas, and support facilities like a host family house and barn. Guest rooms are designed as mobile units, allowing for unobstructed views of the night sky, fostering a direct connection to the landscape. Common areas promote social interaction among visitors, enriching the overall experience. The spatial arrangement respects traditional Icelandic architectural forms while accommodating contemporary needs.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

The project utilizes durable materials such as timber and metal, selected for their resilience in challenging climatic conditions. The incorporation of green roofs aligns with sustainable architectural practices, while angular facades enhance light and shadow dynamics. Key sustainability features include geothermal systems for heating and rainwater harvesting mechanisms, ensuring efficient resource management and energy independence. LED lighting throughout the interiors contributes to energy efficiency, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that aligns with the natural environment.

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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.

The Next House: USA

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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