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Transparent Wood Structure Embracing Five-Sided Geometry in Alpine Setting

Transparent Wood Structure Embracing Five-Sided Geometry in Alpine Setting
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Constructed with transparent wood and characterized by a pentagonal footprint, the design integrates seamlessly with its alpine surroundings, providing an efficient retreat for recreational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from local Icelandic wood, ensuring material authenticity and connection to the region.
02
Utilizes transparent wood technology to enhance natural light while maintaining thermal performance.
03
Features a pentagonal footprint that optimizes views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
04
Integrates digital boards for outdoor activity planning, enhancing convenience for users.
05
Incorporates a unique combination of public and private zones to balance social interaction and solitude.

### Overview
Situated at the base of a snow-capped peak, Five-Corner Snowfalke is designed as a modern interpretation of alpine habitation, emphasizing the relationship between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. The structure functions as a ski cabin, prioritizing both aesthetic integration with the surrounding landscape and the practical needs of its users. The architectural form adopts a distinctive pentagonal layout, optimizing views while facilitating movement throughout the cabin.

### Spatial Configuration
The interior spaces are strategically organized into communal and private zones. Central areas such as a shared lounge and dining room encourage social interaction, while private quarters offer solitude for relaxation. Essential amenities, including ski storage and changing areas, are seamlessly integrated to enhance comfort and functionality. Thoughtful circulation is promoted through the positioning of windows and doorways, allowing for a natural flow between spaces and engagement with the environment.

### Material Selection
The material palette includes Icelandic wood logs as the primary structural element, providing durability and warmth. Transparent wood is utilized as sheathing, promoting light penetration while ensuring thermal insulation and energy efficiency. The inclusion of polymer soaking technology enhances the functional properties of wood, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Additional materials, such as natural and bleached wood planks for interior finishes, steel components for structural support, and glass panels for increased natural light, further exemplify a contemporary approach to architectural design.

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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.

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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