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Molded Concrete Structure Captures Dynamic Light in Visitor Experience

Authors:
Beñat Arejula, Ion Vianez, Unai Arejula
Molded Concrete Structure Captures Dynamic Light in Visitor Experience
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Molded concrete forms create an engaging interplay of light while providing essential spaces for visitors exploring the nearby caves and grottos.
5 key facts about this project
01
Molded concrete construction enhances structural durability while promoting thermal efficiency.
02
Strategically oriented upper floors provide views of local landmarks for enhanced visitor engagement.
03
Dynamic light interaction transforms interior spaces throughout the day, creating varying atmospheres.
04
The design minimizes exposure to Northwest winds, ensuring comfort and energy conservation.
05
Integrated visitor facilities support exploration of nearby natural features, enhancing the overall experience.

The Ice Lantern is located in Vogar, designed as a significant landmark that integrates with the landscape. It serves as a starting point for visitors exploring nearby caves and grottos. The overall design concept focuses on creating a building that helps with orientation and guidance while responding to the unique climate of the region.

Architecture Concept
The design is shaped by a thorough understanding of the local climate, which features low temperatures and strong Northwest winds. To address these conditions, the building is formed as a single volume that reduces exposure to harsh weather. This strategy not only increases thermal comfort but also promotes efficient use of space.

Spatial Organization
Inside the Ice Lantern, key areas include an information point, a coffee shop, and an observatory. These spaces are arranged to encourage interaction and connection with both the interior environment and the natural landscape outside. The building’s placement between existing parking areas and pathways enhances accessibility for visitors. Upper floors are oriented to showcase views of local landmarks, creating a stronger connection to the surrounding area.

Material Selection
Steel, glass, and molded concrete are used throughout the design, balancing functionality and visual appeal. Glass allows plenty of natural light to enter the building, making the interior bright and inviting. Molded concrete, on the other hand, provides structural strength and adds a tactile quality to the façade. This combination of materials contributes to the building's distinctive presence in the landscape.

Light Interaction
The façade of the Ice Lantern responds to changing light throughout the day, creating different moods inside. Openings and reflective surfaces are carefully placed to allow natural light to flood the spaces, enhancing their atmosphere. This characteristic not only adds visual interest but also reinforces the building's role as a refuge and a point of exploration in the Vogar 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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