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Shipping Container Cabin with Butterfly Roof and Rainwater Harvesting System

Author:
Jessica Ramirez
Shipping Container Cabin with Butterfly Roof and Rainwater Harvesting System
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A shipping container cabin with a butterfly roof harnesses rainwater and solar energy, providing a self-sufficient retreat for trekkers in Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shipping containers are repurposed to create the cabin’s durable structure.
02
The butterfly roof allows for effective rainwater collection and minimizes wind resistance.
03
Solar panels are integrated into the roof for renewable energy generation.
04
A compost toilet system supports ecological sustainability on-site.
05
Reclaimed wood finishes enhance interior warmth while promoting resource efficiency.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, the Container Trekking Cabin is designed to provide a self-sustaining living space for trekkers and adventurers, while effectively responding to the region's challenging climatic conditions. Utilizing repurposed shipping containers, the project emphasizes sustainability and functionality, fostering a user-friendly environment that merges with the surrounding landscape.

### Structural Design and Material Choices
The project employs two interconnected twenty-foot shipping containers as the primary structural elements, promoting both efficient transport and minimal resource consumption. The butterfly roof not only enhances the cabin's aesthetic appeal but also facilitates rainwater collection and optimizes the positioning of solar panels, thereby contributing to efficient energy use. Interior finishes feature reclaimed wood, offering warmth and comfort against the exterior metal cladding, which ensures durability. Composite materials used in bathroom facilities further reduce ecological impact by minimizing water consumption.

### Spatial Organization
The layout is strategically compartmentalized to balance communal and private spaces. The front section serves as a gathering area, equipped with a kitchen and living space that encourages interaction among guests post-activity. In contrast, private sleeping quarters at the rear promote restfulness while incorporating large windows that maintain visual continuity with the natural surroundings. Additionally, the inclusion of a small chimney allows for flexible heating options, enhancing the cabin's functionality during colder periods.

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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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