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Charred Wooden Shingles and Triangular Forms Enrich Sustainable Lodging Experience

Author:
Gabriel Márquez torres
Charred Wooden Shingles and Triangular Forms Enrich Sustainable Lodging Experience

Project in-detail

Triangular roofs adorned with charred wooden shingles create a visually distinct structure designed to provide sustainable accommodation with a focus on environmental harmony and user experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular roofs enhance structural stability while optimizing views of the northern lights.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide sustainable weather resistance unique to the local environment.
03
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid assembly and efficient insulation.
04
A modular layout facilitates flexible accommodation arrangements and future expansion.
05
Hydraulic bases ensure adaptability to varying ground conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
The Iceland Northern Light Rooms project integrates architectural design with the natural context of Iceland, focusing on environmental responsiveness and cultural resonance. It offers a unique accommodation experience, specifically designed for visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape and witness the northern lights. The project emphasizes modular architecture to create a flexible environment that caters to different user needs.

The layout is thoughtfully organized into distinct modules grouped around the main house, ensuring efficient circulation and clear spatial relationships. Each module serves specific functions: the service module includes essential facilities, the rest module provides comfort and privacy, and the living module encourages community interaction. This segmentation supports a practical yet cohesive approach to hospitality design, enhancing user experience through strategic placement.

Sustainability is a core principle of the Iceland Northern Light Rooms project. The materiality reflects a profound respect for local resources, employing wood frames and wooden boards that harmonize with the environment. Metal foil is used for insulation to combat the region's temperature fluctuations, while hydraulic bases ensure structural stability and adaptability. This selection of materials not only contributes to the thermal efficiency of the building but also reinforces its connection to the Icelandic landscape.

The architectural design employs a unique triangular form, influencing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the structure. This shape optimizes views of the northern lights, aligning the experience with Iceland's cultural narrative surrounding light and fire. The elevated roofs not only provide shelter but also symbolize protection and warmth, evoking the idea of a modern hearth. The integration of ample glazing ensures natural light permeates the interiors, enhancing the overall ambiance while maintaining energy efficiency.

The project distinguishes itself from conventional hospitality designs through its focus on modularity and environmental integration. The ability to expand the accommodation units without disrupting the existing layout offers scalability, allowing the project to respond to changing demands or future growth. Additionally, the design fosters a strong sense of place, inviting visitors to engage with Iceland's natural beauty through both the architecture and its surroundings.

For a comprehensive understanding of this project, we encourage readers to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the innovative ideas and layout considerations involved in the Iceland Northern Light Rooms project. A closer look will reveal the intricate relationships between space, materiality, and context that define this architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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