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Pentagonal Space Crafted with Basalt and Natural Wood Overlooking Northern Lights

Pentagonal Space Crafted with Basalt and Natural Wood Overlooking Northern Lights
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An exceptional pentagonal structure emerges from the rugged landscape, crafted with durable basalt and warm wood, offering panoramic views of the Northern Lights while providing a multifaceted space for brewing and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pentagonal shape enhances spatial flexibility and engagement with the landscape.
02
Constructed with locally sourced basalt for durability and context integration.
03
Generous use of glass allows for seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
04
Equipped with a dedicated aurora-viewing room for unique visitor experiences.
05
Features spa treatments utilizing local resources, emphasizing wellness and sustainability.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the Mývatn Brew Retreat is designed to integrate innovative architectural solutions with the surrounding natural landscape. This project aims to provide a functional space that reflects the dramatic scenery of Lake Mývatn while serving as a destination for both tourists and locals. The design emphasizes the dual relationship between indoor and outdoor experiences, fostering an engagement with the local environment.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement
The retreat features an open floor plan that promotes flexibility and accessibility throughout the space. At its core is a pentagon-shaped room, which facilitates a variety of functions such as a café, brewery, and relaxation areas. This unique geometric form not only provides structural integrity but also encourages collaborative use. The strategic removal of walls enhances natural light flow, connecting the interior to the exterior and illustrating a commitment to reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The inclusion of various spaces such as a brewery with transparent glass walls allows patrons to observe the brewing process, fostering a social atmosphere. Additional amenities, including wellness facilities with beer-infused therapies on the second floor and a specialized Aurora-viewing room, further enrich the visitor experience by providing unique opportunities to engage with both the landscape and Icelandic cultural traditions.

### Material Strategies
In addressing the philosophical underpinnings of the project, a strategic selection of materials enhances its identity and responsiveness to the local context. The juxtaposition of basalt and wood creates a balance between durability and warmth. Basalt, known for its resilience, reflects the rugged character of the Icelandic terrain, while wood introduces inviting tones that soften the overall aesthetic. Generous use of glass not only maximizes views but also blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, reinforcing the connection with the scenic environment. Natural stone finishes are carefully integrated to further align the structure with its geographical context, completing the design’s cohesive narrative.

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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

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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