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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Create a Versatile Observation Space for Northern Lights

Authors:
Farah Elmajdoub, Mariam Elzein
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Create a Versatile Observation Space for Northern Lights

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, the design facilitates immersive viewing of the Northern Lights while providing adaptable spaces that encourage community interaction and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural flexibility and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances views of the Northern Lights from all angles.
04
Rooftop access features a heated lounge area for year-round use.
05
A reflecting pool amplifies the visual experience of the auroras.

### Project Overview

Located in a northern or polar region, the "Light Frame" project is designed to optimize the experience of viewing the Northern Lights. Its architectural concept facilitates a direct connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding natural environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the aurora borealis while providing a range of amenities for relaxation and social interaction. The design intent centers on creating flexible spaces that can adapt to the users' preferences, enhancing their engagement with the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The floor plan comprises a series of interconnected volumes that include private cabins, communal lounges, and outdoor terraces. Large openings and retractable walls facilitate transparency and the infiltration of natural elements into the interior spaces. A distinctive feature is the fully accessible rooftop patio, designed for unobstructed views of the sky, allowing guests to experience the Northern Lights in comfort. This layout promotes versatile use of space, enabling users to transition between private and communal areas, thus fostering social connections and individual reflection.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choice plays a crucial role in the project’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Structural elements utilize steel for strength and stability, while wood is incorporated in decking and interior finishes to offer warmth. Aluminum window frames and sliding glass doors enhance views and durability against the elements, and extensive use of glass maximizes natural light entry. A thermal reflecting pool contributes both visually and environmentally, mirroring the sky above and enriching the overall sensory experience. This thoughtful selection of materials emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that the structure is resilient while harmonizing with its stunning natural context.

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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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