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Reflective Glass and Basalt Retreat Designed for Community Engagement

Reflective Glass and Basalt Retreat Designed for Community Engagement
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A retreat characterized by reflective glass façades and local basalt stone integrates seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape, providing a communal space for visitors to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass façades mimic the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual integration.
02
Constructed using local basalt stone for durability and climate resilience.
03
A central gathering hub prioritizes community interaction and user engagement.
04
Sustainable geothermal systems provide efficient heating throughout the structure.
05
Timber finishes create a warm interior atmosphere, contrasting with exterior materials.

### Project Overview
"Echoes of the Elements," located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, responds to the area's unique geological context characterized by volcanic activity. This architectural design serves as both a refuge and a communal hub for residents and tourists, aiming to enhance engagement with the natural environment through a modern interpretation of local architectural practices.

### Spatial Organization
The design features a central gathering area that functions as the main social space, surrounded by smaller, multifunctional rooms tailored for individual or group activities. Essential facilities for skiing, including equipment storage and changing areas, ensure ease of access for users. An observation deck, constructed with extensive glass, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, promoting interaction with the site’s natural beauty.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes a carefully curated selection of materials, highlighting local basalt stone, which complements the glass facades while improving durability. Extensive use of glass not only allows for ample natural light but also creates reflective surfaces that interact with the environment, including the Northern Lights. Timber is strategically integrated to enhance warmth within the structure, while geothermal heating systems are employed to minimize energy consumption, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable practices.

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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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