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Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat with Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Aurora Views

Author:
Tylor Payne Payne
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat with Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Aurora Views
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Crafted with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this retreat offers panoramic views of the Northern Lights while providing an immersive guest experience in Iceland's natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and structural integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural insulation and aesthetic contrast against the landscape.
03
Built-in water features reflect the auroras, creating dynamic visual experiences.
04
Guest houses feature mobile units that can be repositioned for optimal sky views.
05
Geothermal energy systems supply heating and power, aligning with environmental best practices.

### Overview
The retreat is situated near Mývatn Lake in northern Iceland, designed to provide an immersive experience for travelers seeking to observe the Aurora Borealis. The architectural intent is to foster a deep connection between the constructed environment and the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing the visitor experience through innovative design elements.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout includes multiple guest houses strategically oriented to provide unobstructed views of the sky and the dynamic landscape. Each guest house employs a modern interpretation of traditional Icelandic architecture, featuring large windows that invite natural light and highlight the display of the Northern Lights. The dining hall is designed with a terraced configuration, encouraging social interaction while maximizing visual engagement with the environment. Throughout the site, water features—such as shallow pools and interactive fountains—are thoughtfully integrated to reflect and complement the colors of the aurora, thus enriching the sensory experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a selection of sustainable materials to align with its ecological goals. Wood, likely sourced from local forests, is used to enhance the warmth and aesthetic of the buildings, while extensive glass installations ensure transparency and proximity to nature. Steel elements provide structural integrity, capable of withstanding the local climate, and stone is incorporated into pathways and structural features, reinforcing a connection with the regional geology. Additionally, the retreat harnesses geothermal energy for heating water and electricity, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and promote responsible tourism.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
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Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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