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Turf-Insulated Structure Integrating Geothermal Principles with Concrete and Steel Design for Visitor Experience

Turf-Insulated Structure Integrating Geothermal Principles with Concrete and Steel Design for Visitor Experience
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Turf insulation and a seamless integration of concrete and steel create a structurally efficient facility designed to enhance visitor interaction with Iceland's geothermal landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf insulation reflects traditional Icelandic building techniques while enhancing thermal efficiency.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes structural integrity and snow load management.
03
Extensive glazing creates a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape.
04
Concrete walls offer thermal mass benefits, absorbing heat for energy efficiency.
05
Strategic location prioritizes panoramic views of the geothermal terrain.

### Overview

Located in Iceland, the architectural project emphasizes a sensitive integration with the region's striking geological features and geothermal activity. The design combines modern architectural principles with traditional Icelandic building methods, aiming to enhance user experience while providing a refuge amid the harsh climate of the landscape.

### Form and Spatial Strategy

The building's organic shape reflects the contours of the surrounding terrain, employing an elongated and undulating layout that enhances its contextual presence. This design allows for effective snow load management and rainwater drainage through strategically sloped roof angles. Internally, the open floor plan prioritizes social interaction and accessibility. Key functional areas include a refreshment station, restrooms, storage for equipment, and viewing decks which offer expansive views of the dramatic scenery, thereby fostering a strong connection between users and the environment.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The material selection emphasizes sustainability and thermal efficiency, incorporating concrete for its heat-absorbing qualities and turf insulation, reminiscent of historical Icelandic practices. Steel decking provides structural support while enhancing aesthetic integrity. The project's construction reflects a commitment to environmental consciousness, with careful attention to solar orientation optimizing natural lighting and passive solar heating, aligning with the sustainability goals of the design. By referencing traditional building techniques, the project not only honors Icelandic cultural heritage but also creates a functional space with modern applicability in extreme climatic conditions.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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