Utilizing charred wooden shingles and metal cladding, the design creates eco-friendly cabins that seamlessly integrate with the rugged Icelandic landscape, providing an ideal setting for northern lights observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates large windows strategically positioned for optimal northern lights viewing.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes wind resistance and snow accumulation.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural strength and insulation.
05
Cabins are elevated to reduce environmental impact and enhance drainage.
General keywords
The "Beds Under the Northern Lights" project is an architectural design initiative located near Lake Myvatn in Iceland, developed to accommodate visitors in a manner that emphasizes sustainability, comfort, and an immersive experience in nature. This project consists of a series of small cabins strategically positioned to provide unobstructed views of the northern lights while maintaining a minimal footprint on the environment. The architectural approach underscores a seamless integration with the landscape, and the design is research-based, focusing on the climate and local conditions.
Unique Design Approaches
The cabins exhibit a minimalist form characterized by simple geometric shapes—primarily rectangular and triangular—that respond to both aesthetic and functional needs. Their design prioritizes energy efficiency and resilience to adverse weather conditions. Elevating the cabins on stilts helps mitigate snow accumulation while allowing for natural drainage. This elevation also enhances the experience of being amidst the landscape, creating a more intimate connection between the occupants and the surrounding environment.
The project distinguishes itself through its emphasis on sensory experience, particularly in relation to the night sky. Large, strategically placed windows maximize light ingress while framing the aurora borealis in a manner that directly invites guests to engage with this spectacular phenomenon. The positioning of each cabin ensures privacy, allowing visitors to capture personal experiences without disruptions.
Material Selection and Function
Materiality is central to the project. The design utilizes wood for interior finishes, enhancing thermal insulation and promoting a sense of warmth within the cabins. Externally, weather-resistant metal cladding ensures durability against the region's harsh climatic conditions while reducing maintenance requirements. Energy-efficient glass windows further contribute to thermal performance and provide expansive views of the exterior environment.
The cabins include essential amenities aimed at enhancing user comfort. Each unit features functional spaces, including a sleeping area, a small kitchenette, and a compact bathroom, thus ensuring a self-contained experience. This layout balances comfort with space efficiency, making these cabins suitable for both short stays and longer visits.
The "Beds Under the Northern Lights" project illustrates a thoughtful approach to architecture that prioritizes user experience, environmental responsibility, and modern design principles. It serves as a case study for future architectural developments in remote and ecologically sensitive locations.
For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of this project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and design elements will provide valuable insights into its comprehensive design strategy and the innovative solutions adopted throughout the project development.
Unique Design Approaches
The cabins exhibit a minimalist form characterized by simple geometric shapes—primarily rectangular and triangular—that respond to both aesthetic and functional needs. Their design prioritizes energy efficiency and resilience to adverse weather conditions. Elevating the cabins on stilts helps mitigate snow accumulation while allowing for natural drainage. This elevation also enhances the experience of being amidst the landscape, creating a more intimate connection between the occupants and the surrounding environment.
The project distinguishes itself through its emphasis on sensory experience, particularly in relation to the night sky. Large, strategically placed windows maximize light ingress while framing the aurora borealis in a manner that directly invites guests to engage with this spectacular phenomenon. The positioning of each cabin ensures privacy, allowing visitors to capture personal experiences without disruptions.
Material Selection and Function
Materiality is central to the project. The design utilizes wood for interior finishes, enhancing thermal insulation and promoting a sense of warmth within the cabins. Externally, weather-resistant metal cladding ensures durability against the region's harsh climatic conditions while reducing maintenance requirements. Energy-efficient glass windows further contribute to thermal performance and provide expansive views of the exterior environment.
The cabins include essential amenities aimed at enhancing user comfort. Each unit features functional spaces, including a sleeping area, a small kitchenette, and a compact bathroom, thus ensuring a self-contained experience. This layout balances comfort with space efficiency, making these cabins suitable for both short stays and longer visits.
The "Beds Under the Northern Lights" project illustrates a thoughtful approach to architecture that prioritizes user experience, environmental responsibility, and modern design principles. It serves as a case study for future architectural developments in remote and ecologically sensitive locations.
For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of this project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and design elements will provide valuable insights into its comprehensive design strategy and the innovative solutions adopted throughout the project development.
