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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Panels Create a Retreat Designed for Northern Lights Experiences

Authors:
Chiara Fiorindo, Fjolla Sllovinja, Philip jonathan Kolevsohn
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Panels Create a Retreat Designed for Northern Lights Experiences

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the retreat seamlessly integrates into the Icelandic landscape, providing an intimate setting for guests to experience the Northern Lights in comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved insulation and strength.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame architecture to optimize views of the Northern Lights.
04
Incorporates locally sourced materials to reinforce environmental sustainability.
05
Combines private lodging units with communal spaces to foster social interaction.

### Overview
Aurora Ranch is situated in rural Iceland, designed to facilitate an immersive experience centered around the Northern Lights. The retreat integrates functionality with a visual connection to the surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from local architectural traditions. Its layout promotes social interaction while ensuring private spaces for guests, fostering an environment conducive to both community and solitude.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The site is organized in a hierarchical manner, transitioning from communal areas to private accommodations. The central communal building features a vibrant kitchen and gathering spaces around a large fireplace, promoting social engagement. Adjacent to these shared facilities, a sauna and outdoor steam bath enhance the relaxation experience. Private lodging units, strategically placed throughout the site, offer panoramic views of the sky, making the Northern Lights an integral element of the architecture. This careful arrangement allows guests to participate in communal activities while also retreating to personal spaces.

### Material and Design Details
The selection of materials emphasizes both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Locally sourced timber panels are utilized for both interior and exterior applications, contributing to a warm atmosphere. High-performance thermal insulation ensures comfort in the cold climate, while glass elements maximize natural light and views. The project also addresses environmental conditions through the use of thermal ground beams for stability and reinforced elements for wind resistance. Overall, the careful integration of these materials facilitates a strong relationship between the occupants and the natural environment, enriching the experience of the Northern Lights.

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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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