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Stone Base and Wooden Roof Creating Thermal Comfort in a Lakeside Retreat

Authors:
Ali Furkan Yönder, Havva Elif Koç
Stone Base and Wooden Roof Creating Thermal Comfort in a Lakeside Retreat
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Constructed with a sturdy stone base and a warm wooden roof, the building merges traditional Icelandic materials to provide thermal comfort and stunning views of Lake Mývatn, serving as a restaurant and guesthouse for a unique lakeside experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a stone base that provides strong thermal insulation.
02
Features a wooden roof designed to manage heavy snow loads.
03
Small windows minimize heat loss while maintaining natural light.
04
Incorporates vegetable soil on the roof for enhanced insulation.
05
Each guest room offers scenic views of Lake Mývatn.

Vogafjós Restaurant & Guest House is located in the scenic landscape of Iceland, designed to blend with its surroundings. The facility serves as both a dining area and a place for visitors to stay, offering an experience that connects guests to the natural beauty of the region. The design concept draws heavily from traditional Icelandic architecture, focusing on how the space can respond to the climate and foster both comfort and community.

Use of Local Materials

A prominent feature of the design is the stone base that encircles the building, providing essential thermal insulation. This aspect of the structure keeps the interior warm despite the cold Icelandic weather. The stone base also allows the building to connect visually and physically to its environment. Above this base, a wooden roof rises, shaped to handle the weight of snow and the wind that often sweeps across the region. This thoughtful approach to material selection reflects the practical needs of the local climate.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Vogafjós Restaurant & Guest House encourages interaction among guests while also providing spaces for privacy. Common areas, such as the restaurant and reception lobby/bar, are situated on the northwest facade, inviting guests to gather and socialize. The outdoor hot tub is located on the southeast side, allowing for a relaxing experience surrounded by nature, while still offering guests a sense of enclosure.

Guest Accommodations

The first floor features guest rooms that offer views of Lake Mývatn, enhancing the overall experience of staying in such a beautiful area. Each room is thoughtfully designed; even the wet spaces have windows that overlook the landscape, integrating nature into the guest experience. A shared living area further supports social interaction, making the space feel welcoming and communal.

The design integrates small windows and doors, a decision made to prevent heat loss and maintain a cozy atmosphere. This choice mirrors the characteristics of traditional Icelandic homes, showing a commitment to preserving local architectural styles while also meeting modern needs. Each aspect of Vogafjós Restaurant & Guest House is reflective of an understanding of place and enhances the connection between the building and its stunning geographic setting.

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

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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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