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Vibrant Color Panels and Local Timber Unite in a Sustainable Trekking Shelter

Author:
Amandine Sonveaux
Vibrant Color Panels and Local Timber Unite in a Sustainable Trekking Shelter
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Colorful aluminum panels and sustainable local timber create a distinctive trekking shelter designed to provide comfort and community for outdoor enthusiasts in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful aluminum panels offer a distinctive aesthetic while ensuring durability against harsh weather.
02
Local timber is used for its sustainability, providing warmth and a connection to the environment.
03
A bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity and maximizes interior space efficiency.
04
The shelter incorporates natural ventilation and skylights for improved air quality and natural lighting.
05
Renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic panels, support the shelter’s eco-friendly operation.

## Overview

Located in Iceland, the project addresses the need for an innovative trekking shelter that serves outdoor enthusiasts. Drawing inspiration from the colorful architecture of Reykjavik, the design aims to create a welcoming space where trekkers can find comfort after their explorations in the surrounding rugged landscapes. The two primary structures, identified as ITW01 and ITW02, utilize vibrant colors and geometric forms to offer a contrast to the stark environment, enhancing the emotional experience of users.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the shelter is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various user needs across two levels. The ground floor includes key communal spaces such as storage facilities for trekking equipment, sanitation areas, and a kitchen and dining space that encourages social interaction among visitors. The expansive living area features large windows that provide panoramic views, promoting a sense of community. The first floor is dedicated to sleeping quarters, adaptable for multiple users with convertible furniture. Skylights punctuate this level, enhancing openness and allowing natural light to permeate the space.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices are integral to the project's aesthetic and functional capabilities. Aluminum panels, known for their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, contribute to durability while introducing vibrant colors to the structure. Locally sourced timber is incorporated to foster sustainability and create a warm interior atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Icelandic designs. Large glass facades facilitate visual engagement with the landscape, while integrated photovoltaic systems and rainwater harvesting mechanisms underscore the project's commitment to sustainable practices. Natural ventilation strategies help optimize energy efficiency, reducing reliance on artificial heating while enhancing user comfort.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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