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Reflective Aluminum Facade and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Northern Lights Retreat

Author:
Elisa Matteucci
Reflective Aluminum Facade and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Northern Lights Retreat
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With a reflective aluminum facade and cross-laminated timber construction, the retreat is designed to enhance the observation of the northern lights while providing a comfortable environment for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective panels amplify ambient light and enhance the northern lights experience indoors.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction allows for complex geometric forms while ensuring structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and promote a natural weathering process.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes views of the sky while maintaining stability in harsh weather.
05
Natural insulation materials are integrated to minimize energy consumption and enhance comfort.

## Overview

The project, "Kaleidoscope," is located in Iceland and addresses the interplay between human experience and the Aurora Borealis. This design intends to enhance the visitor experience of this natural spectacle while providing a comfortable environment. The structure's form and reflective materials are harmonized with the surrounding landscape, creating an engaging atmosphere that invites immersion in the natural beauty of the area.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The architectural layout of "Kaleidoscope" is thoughtfully organized into distinct functional zones, including entrance, dining, sleeping, and bathing areas. Each zone is designed to facilitate a natural flow, allowing visitors to transition seamlessly between spaces. The interior features a complex arrangement of reflective surfaces that capture and reinterpret the changing hues of the northern lights, establishing an ethereal ambiance that enhances the overall experience. This layout offers both communal areas and private retreats, accommodating a range of user preferences for interaction and solitude.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse palette of materials has been selected to promote sustainability and aesthetic coherence with the environment. The outer cladding features lightweight aluminum panels that reflect the surrounding landscape, while cellulose insulation provides effective thermal performance, crucial for the fluctuating Icelandic climate. Interior reflective panels are strategically placed to amplify natural light, while engineered wood (XLAM) panels contribute structural integrity while enabling complex geometries. Additionally, elements such as biophilic design principles and water features, including a thermal bath, reinforce the connection between the built environment and the natural surroundings, fostering well-being among occupants.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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