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Panoramic Views Enhanced by Sustainable Timber and Green Roof Integration in a Recreational Hub

Panoramic Views Enhanced by Sustainable Timber and Green Roof Integration in a Recreational Hub
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Defined by its green roof and expansive glass facade, the facility blends sustainably sourced timber with the surrounding volcanic landscape, providing essential amenities for winter sports enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with a green roof that supports local flora, enhancing insulation and visual integration.
02
The facade incorporates large glass panels to maximize natural light and scenic views.
03
Utilizes locally sourced timber, ensuring a sustainable relationship with the surrounding environment.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that mimics the surrounding landscape contours.
05
Includes multifunctional areas that facilitate diverse uses for winter sports enthusiasts.

## Overview
Located in northern Iceland, the Nordic Ski Hub is positioned within a rugged volcanic landscape, aiming to create a cohesive interaction between architectural design and the natural environment. It serves as a recreational facility that encompasses transparency, sustainability, and functionality, responding directly to the needs of its users while harmonizing with the surrounding terrain.

## Spatial Connectivity
The design emphasizes fluid connectivity through a series of connecting pathways which facilitate smooth transitions between various functional areas. These pathways lead users between spaces such as the reception area, storage, and equipment check stations, promoting efficiency and comfort. A prominent viewing platform enhances visitor experience by providing expansive vistas of the mountainous landscape, integrating the natural scenery into the user experience.

## Sustainable Material Selection
The project's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the conscious selection of materials, ensuring ecological integration:

- **Wood (Spruce/Pine)**: Utilized for the structural framework, enhancing both aesthetic warmth and strength.
- **Concrete**: Found in foundational slabs, contributing to the building's stability.
- **Fiber Insulation**: Integral for thermal performance and energy efficiency.
- **Waterproof Membrane**: Protects the integrity of the green roof.
- **Green Roof Plantings**: Enhance thermal insulation and blend the structure into its environment.
- **Glass**: Expansive panels provide natural light and views, reinforcing the connection between interior spaces and the exterior landscape.

These choices support the project's ecological objectives while fostering an immersive environment for users.

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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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