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Charred Wood Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Elevate A Northern Retreat Experience

Authors:
Luis daniel Rodriguez corona, Luz stephanie Millán maldonado, Antonio Rodríguez corona
Charred Wood Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Elevate A Northern Retreat Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and cross-laminated timber, the design immerses visitors in a sustainable northern retreat dedicated to experiencing the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and views of the night sky.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for rapid construction and sustainable sourcing.
04
Integrates passive ventilation systems for improved indoor air quality.
05
Design includes native landscaping to promote local biodiversity and ecological harmony.

## Project Overview

Borealis Paradise is a retreat designed for immersive engagement with the Northern Lights in a carefully considered environment. Located in a region known for its natural beauty, the project aims to enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainable architectural practices. The layout is thoughtfully organized to create a balanced dialogue between constructed spaces and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetic coherence.

### Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The site layout features three primary accommodation zones: single rooms, double rooms, and a dedicated camping area. Clear pedestrian pathways provide ease of movement, while car access points facilitate convenient arrival and departure for visitors. A central plant room is integrated into the design to manage essential services such as water supply. The use of local vegetation, including White Birch and Arctic Cotton Islands, underscores a commitment to ecological preservation and landscape integration.

### Architectural and Sustainable Features

The accommodation units are designed to optimize natural light and views, with full-height windows and open living spaces. Sustainability plays a critical role, with low-energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and passive ventilation incorporated into the design. The materials used include black steel siding, natural wood finishes, and high-performance insulation.

The Guest and Host House serves as a communal hub for dining and social interaction, accommodating up to 120 guests. This space features a covered terrace, flexible room configurations, and large windows to enhance natural light and openness. Sustainable features throughout the project include solar panels, natural ventilation systems, and composting toilets, all aimed at minimizing environmental impact while providing a comfortable visitor experience.

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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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