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Parametric Facade of Recycled Plastics Embraces the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Nicolás Odorico, Gustavo Alejandro Rosso, Erik Franz Medina
Parametric Facade of Recycled Plastics Embraces the Icelandic Landscape
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Constructed with a parametric facade of recycled ocean plastics, the building harmonizes with Iceland's environment while providing essential community and workspace functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for sustainability.
02
Facade design incorporates recycled ocean plastics for environmental impact.
03
Features a glass dome to enhance views of the aurora borealis.
04
Designed with a cylindrical shape to blend with Iceland's landscapes.
05
Includes a viewpoint deck offering panoramic scenic experiences.

The project is located in Iceland, a country known for its unique landscapes, including volcanoes and glaciers. The design emphasizes a connection with the natural environment while prioritizing sustainability and community participation. With its cylindrical shape, the building represents a collective dedication to caring for the ecosystem. The arrangement includes multiple levels, each serving specific functions that allow for meaningful interactions among users.

Foundation

The base floor sits 1.5 meters above the ground and includes key features like parking spaces for cars and buses, an entrance, a distribution hall, and sanitary facilities. There is also a viewpoint deck, providing visitors with a chance to enjoy the surrounding scenery. This level acts as the main access point, welcoming the public into the space.

Cultural Hub

The sub floor is located five meters below ground level and includes areas for education and community activities. It features a museum entrance, a polivalent room, and a coffee bar, all designed to encourage social interaction. This level is intended as a cultural hub, where people can gather, learn, and connect through various experiences.

Work and Social Spaces

On the first floor, which rises to 5.2 meters, public and private offices are arranged alongside a meeting room. This layout is meant to boost collaboration and productivity. The second floor, elevated at 3.8 meters, enhances the social aspect of the building, featuring a resto bar, kitchen, and additional coworking space, highlighting the importance of communal areas in the design.

Material and Aesthetic Details

A cross-laminated timber panel system forms the primary structure of the building, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The facade displays a parametric design made from recycled ocean plastics, addressing environmental issues and adding visual interest. Furthermore, double hermetic curved glass enhances the building’s thermal efficiency and creates a dynamic presence. A distinctive glass dome is also part of the design, allowing for views of the aurora borealis and offering a unique experience for visitors inside.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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