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Cross-Laminated Timber Rooms With Charred Shingles Offering Unobstructed Aurora Views

Authors:
Aki Hamada, Chris Fisher, Musashi Makiyama
Cross-Laminated Timber Rooms With Charred Shingles Offering Unobstructed Aurora Views

Project in-detail

Nestled among Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, the use of cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles creates a distinctive retreat that offers unobstructed views of the Northern Lights while providing comfortable lodging for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide not only aesthetic appeal but also increased durability against harsh weather conditions.
03
The design features a bent A-frame structure that facilitates optimized natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Geothermal heating systems are integrated to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability throughout the year.
05
A rainwater harvesting system supports eco-friendly practices by reusing collected rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable needs.
The project "Untamed: Iceland Northern Lights Rooms" serves as a thoughtful architectural response to the natural beauty and unique atmospheric conditions characteristic of Iceland. Situated in a remote landscape, this architecture brings guests closer to the environment while providing essential comfort, making it a destination focused on experiencing the wonder of the Aurora Borealis. The design emphasizes the importance of harmonizing with nature, showcasing how architecture can coexist seamlessly with its surroundings.

At its core, the project represents an invitation to connect with both the land and the sky, focusing on the interplay between human habitation and the natural world. The aim is to create a series of accommodations that prioritize the visitor experience while remaining unobtrusive. By designing individual rooms that are oriented to maximize views of the Northern Lights, the architecture places the spectacle of nature as a focal point, encouraging visitors to engage with this extraordinary phenomenon.

Each structural element of the project serves a distinct role. The architecture incorporates hexagonal forms that resonate with the natural landscape’s shapes, creating an organic flow across the site. This spatial organization allows for a collection of units that provide privacy while still encouraging a sense of community among guests. The thoughtful positioning of these units also facilitates access to communal facilities that enhance the visitor experience, such as dining areas and restrooms, strategically placed to maintain functionality without detracting from the overall aesthetic.

Materials play a crucial role in establishing both the look and feel of the project. The use of wood provides warmth and integrates traditional building techniques inherent in Icelandic culture, while expansive glass features facilitate connections between the indoors and the surrounding landscape. Such large windows grant guests breathtaking views of the night sky, illuminating the dramatic landscapes outside while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere within. Natural stone is selected for flooring and pathways, ensuring continuity with the local geology and supporting the visual connection between the built environment and the natural terrain.

The innovative use of sustainable design principles sets this project apart, featuring geothermal systems that utilize the site’s natural resources for heating and hot water. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint of the building but aligns the project with eco-friendly practices that are increasingly important in contemporary architecture. Rainwater harvesting systems further enhance ecological responsibility by promoting water reuse for non-potable applications, allowing for an efficient use of the available resources.

The unique design approaches taken in this project highlight a vision for architecture that prioritizes user experience while respecting environmental contexts. The careful balance of communal and private spaces fosters interaction without compromising individual comfort, creating an atmosphere where guests can enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. The hexagonal layout not only serves aesthetic purposes but also encourages social interaction through shared spaces, enriching the guest experience.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural design and ideas behind "Untamed: Iceland Northern Lights Rooms," readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs related to the project. Such elements provide deeper insights into how this architecture engages with its environment and the innovative methods employed to enhance the visitor experience.
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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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