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Pinewood Facade Overlooking Iceland’s Geographic Features

Authors:
Tuan Tran Anh, Thang Phung Ngoc, Hieu Ngo Minh
Pinewood Facade Overlooking Iceland’s Geographic Features
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The design showcases a pinewood facade that harmonizes with Iceland’s striking landscape while serving as an observation tower, allowing visitors to engage with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Developed as a connection point between two continents, the tower offers distinct views of Europe and North America.
02
Constructed using steel frames, it ensures stability while minimizing ecological impact.
03
The design integrates large glass surfaces to enhance natural light and views.
04
A pedestrian bridge links the tower to iconic landmarks like Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Volcano.
05
The technical station utilizes geothermal energy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

R'hllor Tower is an architectural structure located in the captivating landscape of Iceland, designed to resonate with the themes of light and nature. Drawing its inspiration from R'hllor, the god of light, heat, and life from *Game of Thrones*, the tower embodies a connection between the natural environment and the built form. Functionally, it serves as both an observation point and a gateway for visitors to engage with the surrounding topography, allowing them to experience the unique characteristics of Icelandic phenomena.

Structural Identity

The tower reinforces its vertical design through a careful relationship with its surroundings, acting as a direct axis between Europe and North America. This orientation promotes a conversation between two landmasses, inviting exploration through its pathways. A pedestrian bridge extends horizontally, linking the tower to nearby landmarks such as Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Volcano. This design choice enriches the landscape with both geological and cultural significance.

Transparency and Light

The use of large glass surfaces in the tower's design allows abundant natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. This transparency creates interaction with the external environment, where visitors can witness the landscape’s beauty throughout the day. Lighting is strategically placed, with large beam angle downlights and interior linear LEDs that highlight the architectural forms. This approach enhances the experience within the tower while ensuring that views remain unobstructed.

Material Selection

Steel frames and trusses form the primary structural elements, providing stability and durability while minimizing ecological impact. The choice of these materials supports a strong framework suited to the site’s natural conditions. The pedestrian bridge features a façade of pinewood planks, which adds a warm quality that aligns with the landscape, resulting in a visual contrast against Iceland's rugged scenery.

The design also includes practical amenities, such as parking and restrooms. These facilities are integrated into the site without detracting from the main architectural focus. A technical station connected to a geothermal system exemplifies the commitment to sustainable practices by making use of Iceland's natural energy sources.

A final notable detail of R'hllor Tower is the observation platform that encourages visitors to engage with the breathtaking views. It creates an opportunity for a personal experience of the Icelandic landscape, highlighting the unique beauty found in this natural setting.

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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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