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Tetrahedral Roofs and Local Basalt Create Sustainable Refuge in the Icelandic Landscape

Tetrahedral Roofs and Local Basalt Create Sustainable Refuge in the Icelandic Landscape
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With its interconnected tetrahedral roofs crafted from mass timber and local basalt stone, the design serves as a sustainable retreat for outdoor enthusiasts amidst the rugged Icelandic terrain.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tetrahedral roof design enhances snow shedding capabilities.
02
Locally sourced basalt stone integrates the structure with its environment.
03
Mass timber construction reduces the carbon footprint of the building.
04
Open facades maximize natural light and connection to the landscape.
05
Warm rooms are strategically placed for comfort after outdoor activities.

### Project Overview
The Iceland Ski Snow Cabin is located in a remote area of Iceland, thoughtfully designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape. It serves as a refuge for skiers while also functioning as a versatile space for various outdoor activities including climbing and hiking. The design is characterized by the use of tetrahedral forms, creating structures that are both practical and visually compelling.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes sustainable practices through the strategic selection of materials suited to the region's challenges. Mass timber serves as the primary framing material, providing structural strength and aligning with eco-friendly methodologies. Local basalt stone panels enhance the building's connection to the environment, while aluminium insulated sandwich panels offer durability and thermal performance. Extensive use of glass facilitates panoramic views, effectively bridging indoor and outdoor spaces while ensuring adequate insulation in less heated areas.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
Designed to accommodate a variety of functions, the interior layout is organized to enhance user experience. Key features include warm rooms and changing areas that provide shelter before and after outdoor activities, and dining areas that promote social interaction through both service and self-serve options. Informational zones educate visitors about local outdoor pursuits, fostering engagement with the natural surroundings. The building's geometry, with its triangulated roofs and open facades, not only responds to the aesthetic and functional demands of the environment but also enhances natural lighting and views, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all users.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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
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