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Suspended Spaces Crafted from Natural Timber with Geothermal Heating Solutions in a Remote Wilderness Retreat

Authors:
Sam Bertram, Laura Binazzi
Suspended Spaces Crafted from Natural Timber with Geothermal Heating Solutions in a Remote Wilderness Retreat
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Crafted from suspended natural timber and integrated with geothermal heating, this wilderness retreat provides a sustainable refuge for trekkers seeking comfort and safety in Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with suspended sleeping platforms to maximize space efficiency.
02
Incorporates a self-sufficient water-harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
03
Utilizes geothermal heating for energy efficiency and comfort in varying climates.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability against the elements.
05
Designed with buffer zones to promote privacy and ease of movement between modules.

### Overview

Located in Iceland, the Slow Cabin design project serves as a refuge for trekkers traversing the challenging terrain of the region. The project is driven by a commitment to ensuring safety, comfort, and functionality in a harsh environment while facilitating a restorative experience for its occupants. The design integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, drawing inspiration from the surrounding elements to provide essential services for transient individuals.

### Design and Spatial Strategy

The layout of the Slow Cabin is organized into five functional modules: Shelter, Water/Food, Heat, Rest, and Hygiene. Each module addresses specific human needs, prioritizing user experience in a remote setting. The shelter comprises a rustic wooden structure that provides insulation while fostering a warm atmosphere, utilizing locally sourced materials. The Water/Food section incorporates a kitchenette and water collection mechanisms that harness local resources, emphasizing sustainability. Geothermal heating is incorporated as a vital design element, serving both functional and aesthetic roles through exposed thermal pipes.

The sleeping quarters employ suspended platforms that maximize vertical space and storage availability, allowing for flexible occupancy arrangements. The hygiene facilities utilize composting toilets to minimize water usage while maintaining sanitation. By optimizing layout and functionality, the design encourages communal spaces that promote interaction among travelers.

### Material Choices

The material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Key components include:

- **Wood**: Serving as the primary structural material, it provides both insulation and an organic aesthetic.
- **Geothermal Heating Elements**: These durable thermal pipes feature an industrial design that contributes to the cabin's interior atmosphere.
- **Composting Toilets**: Constructed with sustainable materials, these systems are designed to reduce ecological impact.
- **Concrete**: Utilized in flooring and structural elements for durability against the Icelandic climate.
- **Glass**: Incorporated in windows to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.

The thoughtful material choices and innovative spatial strategies contribute to a cohesive design that meets the practical needs of occupants while aligning with ecological principles.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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
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