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Reflective Steel Roof and Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Designed for Aurora Viewing

Author:
Handa Meiji
Reflective Steel Roof and Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Designed for Aurora Viewing
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The design incorporates a reflective steel roof and cross-laminated timber, creating a harmonious retreat that enhances the experience of viewing the Northern Lights while providing functional guest accommodations.
5 key facts about this project
01
The reflective steel roof captures and enhances the colors of the Northern Lights.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce environmental impact while providing structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior that blends with the landscape.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes viewing angles of the night sky.
05
Large glass panels invite natural light while minimizing artificial lighting needs.

## Project Overview
The Guest House Harmonized with Aurora is located in a region celebrated for its vivid displays of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). This architectural design aims to cohesively blend living spaces with the natural wonder of the night sky, prioritizing functionality and user experience alongside aesthetic considerations. The intent is to provide guests with a serene environment that fosters connection to and appreciation for the grandeur of the celestial phenomena.

### Structural and Spatial Strategy
The guest house features a distinctive curved roof that not only captures and reflects the vibrant colors of the auroras but also varies its profile according to the time of day. This form has been designed to adapt to changing celestial conditions and optimize viewing experiences for guests. The incorporation of large glass panels facilitates unobstructed views, making the auroras a central aspect of the interior layout. Moreover, the interior spaces are configured to be flexible, allowing for adaptable accommodations that cater to diverse guest needs and enhance social interaction.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A careful selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to both aesthetic and functional quality. The roof is constructed from mirror-finish stainless steel, ensuring durability in the harsh climate while reflecting the surrounding environment. The facade combines wooden elements and stone treatments that resonate with the local landscape. Interior spaces feature textured walls and polished surfaces, which subtly enhance the ambient light and contribute to the overall spatial experience. Sustainability is a key focus, achieved through energy-efficient design strategies and thoughtful material use, minimizing the visual footprint of the structure within its natural setting.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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