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Charred Wood Facade Enhancing A-Frame Design for Northern Lights Observation

Authors:
Yicheng Lei, Wai Choi, Odessa Cleavenger, Martin Hilden
Charred Wood Facade Enhancing A-Frame Design for Northern Lights Observation

Project in-detail

Constructed with a charred wood facade and a geometric A-frame design, the cabin offers unparalleled views of the Northern Lights while providing a sustainable retreat in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a charred wood facade for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for both structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing exterior footprint.
04
Strategically oriented large glass panels frame views of the aurora borealis from various angles.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, reinforcing a strong connection to the environment.

**Northern Lights Viewing Cabin Overview**

Located in the dramatic Icelandic landscape, the cabin is designed to provide an optimal experience for viewing the Northern Lights while fostering a connection with its natural surroundings. The project emphasizes the interplay between the architectural form and the auroral phenomena, creating a space that accommodates both functional needs and contemplative experiences. The design reflects aspects of traditional Icelandic architecture while incorporating contemporary elements, ensuring the structure resonates with the unique character of the environment.

**Architectural Form and Spatial Arrangement**

The cabin features a geometric shape inspired by traditional A-frame structures, enhancing its resilience to harsh weather conditions and providing expansive views of the night sky. A prominent transparent facade serves as a portal to the outdoors, framing the Northern Lights within the interior space. The layout effectively balances communal areas with private quarters, allowing for both social interaction and solitary reflection. A compact entry leads into a communal dining space, facilitating gatherings centered around local traditions.

**Sustainability and Materiality**

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, with a focus on locally sourced materials that minimize environmental impact. Predominantly constructed from wood, the cabin conveys warmth and intimacy, while large glass panels ensure unobstructed views of the surroundings. The inclusion of steel in the framing system enhances structural integrity and modern appeal, while a stone foundation stabilizes the structure against the shifting ground. Natural materials contribute thermal insulation, maintaining comfort during cold seasons, and pathways encourage exploration of the site, integrating the building with the landscape. Large deck areas extend the living space outdoors, promoting immersion in the Icelandic wilderness.

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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
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