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Aurora Viewing Deck Crafted From Kerto Wood and Steel Cladding in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Andrea Bonacina, Francesco Meroni, Marco Mornata
Aurora Viewing Deck Crafted From Kerto Wood and Steel Cladding in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Designed with a dedicated aurora viewing deck and constructed from Kerto wood and metal cladding, the facility serves as a multifunctional community hub that enhances engagement with the surrounding natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from Kerto wood and metal sheets for durability in harsh climates.
02
Features a dedicated observation deck designed for optimal aurora viewing.
03
Incorporates extensive glass elements to enhance natural light and external views.
04
Integrates flexible spaces that support both educational and recreational activities.
05
Utilizes thermal insulation techniques to ensure energy efficiency during extreme weather.

### Project Overview
Located in a northern region known for its stunning auroras, the design focuses on a multifunctional facility that promotes interaction with the natural environment. The intent is to create a space that facilitates various activities, enhancing the visitor experience while respecting the local ecology.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Areas
The architectural approach draws inspiration from traditional northern design, featuring triangulated forms that reflect the surrounding mountainous terrain. The layout includes diverse functional zones such as public gathering areas for community engagement, interactive information points that educate visitors about local nature and culture, as well as amenities tailored for outdoor activities. The axial design encourages movement and exploration throughout the building, with strategic view corridors that frame the auroras and surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a carefully considered palette of materials to enhance both aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. Durable metal sheet cladding provides modern visual qualities while reflecting natural light, while engineered Kerto wood plates signify an eco-friendly choice. The incorporation of glass elements maximizes natural light and visual connectivity with the external environment. Sustainability is a focal point; thermal and acoustic insulation methods ensure energy efficiency in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the design includes features such as a dedicated viewing deck for the northern lights, providing an immersive yet comfortable experience for visitors.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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