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Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Techniques Enhance Nordic Cabins for Auroral Viewing

Authors:
Christine Varela, Oscar Maradiaga
Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Techniques Enhance Nordic Cabins for Auroral Viewing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, these Nordic cabins are designed for optimal auroral viewing while providing a comfortable and sustainable accommodation experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins utilize charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic integration.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels promote rapid construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes both structural integrity and views of the Northern Lights.
04
Each cabin is strategically positioned along a pathway to foster community interaction while maintaining privacy.
05
Passive solar techniques are incorporated for energy efficiency and comfort in cold seasons.
The Iceland Northern Lights project serves as both a guest accommodation and an immersive experience into the natural landscapes of Iceland. The architecture includes a series of guest cabins and a dining hall strategically positioned to capitalize on the site’s scenic qualities, aimed at providing visitors with an opportunity to view the Northern Lights in a comfortable setting. The design emphasizes sustainability, utilizing materials and forms that resonate with the surrounding environment while ensuring each structure is equipped for year-round use.

Spatial configuration is a crucial element of this project. Guest cabins, comprised of multiple units, are arranged along a wooden walkway. This configuration enhances community interaction while maintaining individual privacy. The cabins include essential living spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen areas. The dining hall acts as a central gathering point for guests, featuring large windows that frame the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, allowing for a shared dining experience that harmonizes with the natural setting.

Unique Material Strategies
The project showcases a distinctive approach to material selection. Timber is the primary construction material, echoing traditional Icelandic architectural practices while supporting sustainability goals. Copper is used for the roofing, chosen for its durability and the aesthetically appealing patina it develops over time. Large glass window installations enhance the connection between interior spaces and the exterior environment. High-performance insulation materials are also incorporated to ensure energy efficiency, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly design principles.

Innovative Spatial Dynamics
The layout of the project is designed to foster both social interaction and individual retreat. The careful placement of cabins along the pathway creates a sense of community, while the modular design offers flexibility for future expansion. The architectural design incorporates passive solar techniques, optimizing natural light intake and reducing energy consumption. The high-angled roofs not only address the region’s weather patterns but also allow for optimal celestial viewing, aligning with the project’s intent of providing guests with an engaging experience of the Northern Lights.

The Iceland Northern Lights project stands out due to its thoughtful integration of design, materials, and spatial dynamics aimed at enhancing guest experiences. For more comprehensive insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, further exploration of the project's presentation is encouraged.
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MICROHOME
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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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