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Biophilic Retreat Crafted from Local Birch and Enhanced with Green Roofs

Authors:
Sungsoo Kim, Seungkawng Baek, Kunhee Moon, Sinhee Kim
Biophilic Retreat Crafted from Local Birch and Enhanced with Green Roofs

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced birch timber and incorporating green roofing, the design offers an environmentally sensitive accommodation that harmonizes with Iceland's landscape while providing unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced birch timber for a low carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates bioremediation systems for sustainable water management.
03
Features flexible interior layouts that adapt to guest needs.
04
Employs solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
05
Designed with green roofs to enhance insulation and biodiversity.

### Overview

Located in Iceland's remote regions, the design for the Northern Lights Rooms emphasizes an integration of tourism and sustainable architecture within a pristine natural environment. The intent is to offer an immersive lodging experience that fosters a deep connection with the landscape, particularly its renowned phenomena like the Northern Lights, while minimizing ecological disturbances.

### Site and Spatial Strategy

The project site features diverse topography, which informs the arrangement of guest houses that maximize panoramic views without obstructing the surrounding scenery. Each structure is strategically placed to promote both communal interaction and individual privacy, enhancing overall user experience. The geometric forms of the buildings, inspired by the natural contours of the landscape, contribute not only to aesthetic cohesion but also to functional adaptability in response to the environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Constructed primarily of birch tree timber, the buildings leverage this locally sourced material for its sustainable qualities and visual appeal. Additional materials, including energy-efficient glass and local stone, support the architectural integrity while ensuring thermal efficiency and stability. Renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, coupled with innovative water recycling mechanisms, underscore a commitment to sustainability, facilitating eco-friendly living and resource management throughout the facility.

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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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