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Modular Guest Pods with Turf Roofs and Expansive Glazing for Northern Light Viewing

Authors:
Tan Yeong En, Lai Hong Jing, Judson Toh Kok Zin, Ning Jia Cheng
Modular Guest Pods with Turf Roofs and Expansive Glazing for Northern Light Viewing
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Removable guest pods crafted from timber and featuring turf roofs offer immersive views of the northern lights, providing adaptable accommodations that blend seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular guest pods can be detached and relocated for optimized viewing experience.
02
Turf roofs provide natural insulation while blending with the surrounding landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and environmental performance.
04
Large expanses of glazing maximize natural light and views of the aurora borealis.
05
The design incorporates a water collection system to promote sustainability and resource efficiency.

### Overview
Located in a prime area for observing the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights Adaptive Rooms Project is an architectural initiative designed to enhance visitor experiences while integrating with the natural landscape. The structure balances aesthetic appeal with functional design and sustainability, creating an environment that caters to both individual needs and communal interactions.

### Spatial Strategy
The design emphasizes adaptability, with a layout consisting of distinct public and private areas. Central to this arrangement is a permanent hub that facilitates communal activities, while surrounding structures allow for personal retreats and privacy. By incorporating detachable guest pods, visitors can choose their preferred locations to optimize views and engage with the environment. This approach crafts a dynamic spatial experience that encourages exploration and interaction.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and contextual relevance. Reinforced concrete provides structural durability, while timber framing adds warmth and visual connection to the surroundings. The use of a fabric membrane in the portable guesthouses emphasizes flexibility, and extensive glazing ensures natural light enhances interiors. A turf roof aligns with traditional Icelandic architecture, offering natural insulation and minimizing visual impact, all of which reinforces the project's ecological sensitivity. The inclusion of a water collecting pond fosters water conservation practices, promoting a self-sufficient ecosystem.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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