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Tree-Integrated Design Featuring Natural Stone and Glass Walls for a Ski Retreat

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Tree-Integrated Design Featuring Natural Stone and Glass Walls for a Ski Retreat
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Integrating existing trees into a robust structure of natural stone and glass, the design offers a sustainable ski retreat that harmonizes with its pristine Icelandic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates existing trees into the living spaces, enhancing both aesthetics and ecology.
02
Constructed with natural stone for durability and thermal efficiency in a harsh climate.
03
Utilizes large glass panels to maximize views while providing passive solar heating.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that reduces wind resistance and snow buildup.
05
Includes an indoor garden that promotes biophilic design principles.

# Ski Snow Cabin Unit - Iceland

## Overview

The Ski Snow Cabin Unit is located in Iceland, strategically positioned to enhance its natural surroundings while providing a functional living space. The design emphasizes sustainability, practicality, and integration with the landscape, reflecting contemporary architectural practices that prioritize environmental harmony and modern living standards.

## Spatial Organization and User Functionality

The layout of the cabin is designed to maximize usability, providing distinct functional areas that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. It features a cozy living room with a fireplace, an open kitchen and dining area that fosters social interaction, and private sleeping quarters that evoke comfort while maintaining a connection to nature. The flexible, open-concept arrangement supports various activities, from relaxation after outdoor pursuits to hosting gatherings. Included within the plan is a maintenance garage, addressing the practical needs for winter sports equipment storage.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Material choices reflect durability, sustainability, and a commitment to aesthetic coherence with the natural environment. Natural stone, specifically limestone or basalt, lines both exterior and interior walls, contributing to insulation and weather resistance while echoing the rugged landscape. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light penetration and provides unobstructed views of the surroundings, establishing a visual dialogue between the interior and exterior. Wood elements, aligned with local construction traditions, may incorporate sustainable timber for structural and finishing details. Concrete, likely utilized in foundational aspects, offers stability, and steel fixtures are employed to ensure structural integrity against harsh climatic conditions.

The design's unique feature of integrating existing trees not only enriches the aesthetic of the cabin but also contributes positively to air quality and the local ecosystem. Additionally, the inclusion of an indoor garden promotes biophilic design principles, connecting occupants with nature and enhancing the overall ambiance. These elements, combined with careful site planning and optimal material selection, exemplify a thoughtful approach to architecture in a challenging environment.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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