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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.

### Project Overview

Aurora Home, situated in Iceland (Coordinates: 65.631680, -16.928828), encompasses a building area of 300 square meters and was developed as a response to the 2018 Architecture Competition. The project aims to provide visitors with a distinctive experience of the Northern Lights, integrating harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while offering an immersive environment that highlights this natural phenomenon.

### Conceptual Framework

The architectural design draws inspiration from the aurora borealis, characterizing the structure with flowing lines and organic forms that mimic its dynamic movements. This approach seeks to enhance not just the visual aspects but also the sensory connections to the environment, encouraging interaction with the natural landscape. Adaptability is a core principle, with the design evolving alongside seasonal changes to create varied experiences throughout the year.

### Architectural Features

**Structure and Materiality:**
The building's undulating forms reflect the aurora, featuring expansive glass panels for unobstructed views of the night sky. Durable, weather-resistant materials were selected for the exterior, ensuring longevity under Iceland's climatic conditions. Interior spaces incorporate natural wood finishes, lending warmth, while stone and concrete provide stability that connects the structure to the earth.

**Functionality and Space Planning:**
Aurora Home includes specific areas such as a communal living room with panoramic views, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a horse riding room for equestrian activities. The design supports seamless movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, with well-planned circulation pathways, enhancing user experience. The roof design adapts to seasonal variations, reflecting the changing landscape and further engaging visitors with their environment.

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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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