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Charred Wooden Exteriors and Expansive Glazing Enhance Connection to Icelandic Landscapes in Sustainable Lodging

Author:
John Knauft
Charred Wooden Exteriors and Expansive Glazing Enhance Connection to Icelandic Landscapes in Sustainable Lodging

Project in-detail

Charred wooden exteriors and expansive glass panels create a seamless integration with Iceland’s landscape, offering visitors an immersive experience focused on viewing the Northern Lights in sustainable lodging.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the Icelandic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and warm aesthetics.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views of the Northern Lights.
04
Carefully positioned guest cabins encourage immersive experiences with the surrounding environment.
05
Sustainable materials were locally sourced to minimize environmental impact.

## Project Overview

The Iceland Northern Light Rooms project is positioned in a remote area of Iceland, emphasizing a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape while addressing historical ecological changes. The design serves to enhance the visitor experience of the Northern Lights, integrating architectural elements with environmental and cultural narratives inherent to the region.

## Architectural Form and Spatial Strategy

The design features a main lodge, guest cabins, and a caretaker's house, characterized by intersecting forms that draw inspiration from traditional Icelandic structures. The main lodge’s robust and angular composition facilitates diverse spatial experiences, optimizing vantage points for observing the Northern Lights and the scenic landscape. The layout is strategically planned to maximize unobstructed views, allowing guests to appreciate both dawn and dusk amidst the natural beauty.

### Materiality and Integration

Key materials selected for the project include charred wood siding, large glass panels, and natural wood, each chosen for their aesthetic qualities and functional benefits. The charred wood offers durability and a visual connection to the volcanic landscape, while extensive glass integration invites natural light and provides a visual link between indoor and outdoor environments. The use of warm wood tones within the interiors creates an inviting ambiance, contrasting with the darker exterior materials.

The spatial organization within the lodge and guest cabins promotes social interaction and individual reflection. The first floor includes communal areas designed for culinary experiences, whereas the second floor features open spaces for relaxation and a terrace that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor experiences. The cabins are designed in two configurations, each enhancing the connection to the environment and accommodating varying guest needs. The design of the caretaker's house reflects traditional turf house forms, providing both communal and private areas while ensuring functional comfort.

This project thoughtfully integrates architectural design with ecological sensitivity, creating a space that honors local cultural heritage and invites visitors to engage with Iceland's unique natural phenomena.

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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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