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Curved Timber Structures Enhanced by Weathered Copper Reflecting the Northern Lights

Authors:
Ben Staves, Kelly Mackinnon
Curved Timber Structures Enhanced by Weathered Copper Reflecting the Northern Lights

Project in-detail

Curved timber forms are complemented by weathered copper, providing unobstructed views of the Aurora Borealis while offering guests a unique accommodation experience in Iceland’s natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved timber structures enhance structural stability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Weathered copper cladding is used to reflect the surrounding landscape and blend with natural elements.
03
Semi-translucent polycarbonate roofs allow natural light while maintaining thermal insulation.
04
Individual light rooms offer unobstructed views of the aurora from every angle.
05
The layout promotes both communal interaction and private reflection in a remote setting.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, Álfheimr is a conceptual architectural project designed to integrate human habitation with the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. The design seeks to provide unique accommodations that enhance visitors’ experiences of this natural phenomenon, while also fostering a deeper appreciation of its cultural and environmental significance.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization
The central structure, referred to as "The House," serves as a hub for both communal and private living spaces across two levels. This includes changing rooms, saunas, dining facilities, and public viewing areas, all arranged to facilitate efficient movement and varied interactions among guests. Multiple scattered accommodation pods, known as Light Rooms, are designed as semi-transparent structures. Their organic forms and strategic placement offer unobstructed views of the night sky, creating intimate settings for experiencing the auroras.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
The project incorporates materials chosen for their environmental performance and aesthetic appeal. Semi-translucent insulated polycarbonate roof panels allow for natural illumination and thermal comfort, while a timber frame structure supports the curved architecture that harmonizes with the landscape. Weathered copper cladding on The House reflects colors reminiscent of the auroras, and a concrete raft foundation provides stability while minimizing disruption to the site. Each material is selected to ensure resilience against the harsh Icelandic climate while promoting sustainability.

The design emphasizes open interior spaces that maximize natural light and enhance the overall visitor experience. Public areas are oriented for optimal views of the auroras, inviting guests to partake in a communal yet reflective atmosphere. Facilities for dining and relaxation further support a connection to the surrounding natural environment, establishing Álfheimr as a thoughtful response to its setting.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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