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Turf Roof Cabins Featuring Natural Stone and Timber Integration in Icelandic Landscape

Turf Roof Cabins Featuring Natural Stone and Timber Integration in Icelandic Landscape
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Nestled beneath a living turf roof, the cabins seamlessly integrate local stone and timber into the rugged Icelandic landscape, offering a sustainable retreat for visitors seeking connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roofs evolve into living ecosystems, promoting biodiversity while insulating the cabins.
02
Local stone is utilized for foundational support, enhancing durability against harsh weather.
03
Timber elements draw from traditional Icelandic building techniques, creating a regional architectural identity.
04
Cabins are strategically positioned for optimal views, integrating seamlessly with the landscape.
05
Communal outdoor spaces foster social interaction among visitors while maintaining privacy.

### Overview
The Mývatn Turf Cabin project comprises four individual cabins situated in the Mývatn region of Iceland. This initiative aims to establish a connection between the built environment and the natural landscape, promoting an immersive experience that reflects the area's unique geographic features. The design is rooted in sustainability while drawing inspiration from traditional Icelandic turf houses.

### Adaptive Material Use
The project employs a deliberate selection of materials tailored to both functional and aesthetic needs. Turf is primarily used in the roofing systems, providing insulation and visually anchoring the cabins to the grassy terrain. Locally sourced stone forms the structural base, offering durability and climate resilience, while timber, utilized in the frame construction, imparts warmth and a traditional character. The diversity of timber cladding includes deep red metal corrugated panels and black vertical timber, enhancing visual contrast and cohesion.

### Spatial Configuration
The design features a split-volume arrangement for each cabin, characterized by pitched roofs that follow the contours of the surrounding topography. This form creates a varied skyline while optimizing sightlines and fostering user engagement with the landscape. Communal spaces, such as outdoor terraces and a strategically positioned viewing platform, promote social interaction and ensure that each cabin benefits from ample sunlight, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. The overall layout supports both privacy and community engagement, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the site's context.

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

The Next House: USA

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
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