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Transportable Cabins Featuring Glass Facades and Sustainable Steel for Nature Immersion

Author:
Sheung Shun Ng
Transportable Cabins Featuring Glass Facades and Sustainable Steel for Nature Immersion
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Modular cabins constructed with glass facades and local materials offer an immersive experience for guests seeking to view the northern lights in the heart of Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular cabins can be repositioned to offer varied aurora viewing experiences.
02
The design incorporates large glass facades for unobstructed landscape views.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and blend with the natural environment.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Integrated communal spaces facilitate social interaction among guests.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, this project capitalizes on the region's renowned natural landscapes and the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. The design intends to harmonize with the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from the dynamic elements of Icelandic topography and weather. The concept, titled "Momentum," reflects the interplay of natural forces and the immersive experiences of guests as they interact with both indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Spatial Dynamics
The architectural composition features three key elements: a central Guest Hub designed for social interaction and dining; a Host Home for staff quarters; and innovative Mobile Cabins, which enable guests to experience the northern lights from various vantage points. The pathways within the site are carefully sculpted to encourage exploration, leading guests through distinct natural perspectives and related activities. Additionally, outdoor spaces are incorporated for intimate gatherings, emphasizing the connection between social interaction and the natural setting.

### Material Selection
A diverse palette of materials is utilized to enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. Glass is prominently featured in the Guest Hub and cabins, allowing for unobstructed views of the auroras. Steel provides structural integrity, particularly for the mobile cabins, while concrete serves as a foundation material that blends with the local landscape. Wood is chosen for interior finishes, contributing warmth and comfort to the guests' experience. The project's materiality reflects a commitment to sustainability, aligning with the region's renewable energy resources.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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