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Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass Integrate Seamlessly in an Eco-Friendly Lodging Experience

Authors:
Lihan Huang, Bofan Zhao
Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass Integrate Seamlessly in an Eco-Friendly Lodging Experience

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wooden shingles and high-performance glass, the design offers a seamless blend of sustainability and aesthetic harmony, providing a unique lodging experience that invites occupants to connect with the natural beauty of Iceland's landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Large, high-performance glass panels maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the auroras.
03
Community gardens are integrated into the landscape to promote local engagement and biodiversity.
04
The bent A-frame structure enhances thermal efficiency while echoing the natural topography.
05
Sustainable materials throughout the build reflect local resources, reinforcing the connection to Iceland's environment.
The architectural design project known as Aurora Home integrates the experience of viewing the Northern Lights with thoughtful functionality and sustainable practices. Located in Iceland, the building's layout and form are crafted to promote both aesthetic enjoyment and engagement with the surrounding landscape. This project emphasizes a connection to nature while providing a space for visitors and locals alike to appreciate the unique environmental elements of the region.

Aurora Home is designed with key areas to enhance the visitor experience, including a living room that offers panoramic views, a restaurant that serves local cuisine, and spaces for community engagement. Each aspect of the design reflects careful consideration of seasonal changes, ensuring the building is both functional and visually appealing throughout the year.

Integration with Environmental Aesthetics

The design of Aurora Home draws inspiration from the natural movement of the aurora borealis. The forms of the building are characterized by flowing lines and organic shapes, creating a visual narrative that resembles the dance of the lights in the sky. The extensive use of high-performance glass allows daylight to fill the interior spaces while providing unobstructed views of the outside. Durable, weather-resistant materials have been selected for the façade to ensure resilience against the harsh Icelandic climate.

Sustainable Design Practices

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Aurora Home. The project utilizes renewable materials and local resources, emphasizing environmental consciousness in its construction and operation. The building's layout encourages energy efficiency, while its connection to the local landscape fosters a sense of place. Seasonal adaptations allow the design to resonate with the changing environmental conditions, ensuring that the architecture evolves with its setting.

The thoughtful integration of multifunctional spaces within the project supports communal interaction and local cultural exchange. By incorporating areas like horse riding facilities and communal gardens, Aurora Home serves as a hub for both visitors and residents, establishing a strong community presence in the region.

For further insights into the architectural design of Aurora Home, including essential architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements, explore the detailed project presentation. Discover how this project exemplifies contemporary architecture while engaging meaningfully with its natural context.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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