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Translucent Polycarbonate Shelters with Flexible Interior for Trekking Comfort

Author:
Evano-allinc Benoit
Translucent Polycarbonate Shelters with Flexible Interior for Trekking Comfort
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Utilizing polycarbonate for natural light and a modular pillow-based interior, the design transforms the trekking experience into a comfortable and adaptable retreat within Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes translucent polycarbonate sheets to enhance natural lighting and visibility.
02
Incorporates a modular pillow system for customizable living and sleeping arrangements.
03
Constructed with a lightweight steel frame for quick assembly and adaptation to varying terrains.
04
Features solar panels to provide renewable energy for off-grid sustainability.
05
Designed to harmonize with the Icelandic landscape, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

### Architectural Report: The Pillow Fort, Iceland Trekking Cabins

#### Overview

Located in Iceland, the Pillow Fort is a trekking cabin design that merges childhood nostalgia with contemporary architectural principles. Positioned within the rugged Icelandic landscape, this cabin aims to provide outdoor enthusiasts a comfortable retreat after long treks. The design emphasizes a sense of safety and imagination, with the intent to foster relaxation and community among its users.

#### Materiality and Sustainability

The materials chosen for the Pillow Fort reflect a commitment to sustainability and functionality. A lightweight steel frame ensures structural integrity and ease of transport, maintaining stability amidst the variable Icelandic climate. The inclusion of translucent polycarbonate sheets enhances natural lighting within the living space while providing durability and thermal insulation.

Uniquely, the design incorporates pillows as essential elements of both living and sleeping areas, contributing comfort and insulation that can be adjusted according to external temperatures. Furthermore, the integration of solar panels underscores an eco-conscious approach by harnessing renewable energy to meet the cabin's operational needs. The interior finishes harmonize with the surrounding environment, enhancing the experience of living in the landscape.

#### Design Flexibility and Community Interaction

The Pillow Fort features a flexible design that allows for customization in spatial configuration, adapting to different activities such as sleeping, resting, and socializing. This adaptability promotes communal living, reflected in sketches that depict shared experiences among trekkers. The aesthetic of the cabin not only captures Iceland's natural beauty but also instills a sense of warmth and playfulness, contrasting with the often harsh exterior environment.

This design positions the Pillow Fort as a progressive solution within the realm of outdoor accommodations, emphasizing creativity and community connection while respecting Iceland’s cultural heritage.

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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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