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Turf Cabins with Perforated Roofs for Stargazing in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Anakaren Muñoz Franco
Turf Cabins with Perforated Roofs for Stargazing in Icelandic Landscape
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Perforated roofs designed for stargazing complement the turf and timber cabins set against Iceland's rugged landscape, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated roofs allow unobstructed views of the Aurora Borealis from inside the cabins.
02
Cabins use traditional turf construction for enhanced thermal insulation.
03
Each guest house is designed as an independent module to promote privacy.
04
Local stone and timber are sourced from the surrounding landscape for sustainability.
05
An outdoor hot tub provides relaxation while connecting guests with nature.

Vogafjós Deluxe is located in Iceland, designed to connect its inhabitants with the surrounding nature. The complex includes one main cabin and eight guest houses, providing an intimate atmosphere that encourages relaxation and exploration. Each element of the design is focused on privacy and comfort, allowing guests to engage with the unique landscape.

Architecture Concept
The design aims to offer a personalized experience for every guest through the use of separate modules. Each cabin is thoughtfully positioned to promote movement throughout the area, inviting visitors to explore the natural environment. This arrangement balances the need for solitude with opportunities for interaction, ensuring a tranquil setting that supports the connection with nature.

Cabin Features
The guest cabins are equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. The first floor includes a kitchenette, bathroom, living room, and a breakfast table, while the second floor features a sleeping area and a wardrobe. An outdoor hot tub adds to the relaxation options, providing a space for guests to unwind while enjoying the outdoors. The design focuses on both practicality and the beauty of the surroundings.

Materiality and Construction
Vogafjós Deluxe uses traditional building techniques from Iceland, incorporating materials sourced locally. This includes local stone, timber, and turf, chosen for their ability to provide insulation and resilience against the local climate. The careful selection of these materials reflects a respect for local craftsmanship and the natural environment. The buildings stand as a testament to both modern design and the region’s heritage.

Design Outcome and Detail
The main cabin serves as a communal area, featuring a front desk, common living room, and a small restaurant to encourage interaction among guests. This central hub contrasts with the private guest houses, enhancing the overall experience. A defining feature of the cabins is their perforated roofs, which allow those inside to view the Aurora Borealis at night. This design detail connects occupants to the enchanting night sky and enhances the feeling of being immersed in nature.

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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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