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Curvilinear Glass Facades and Sustainable Wood Integration Design for Northern Lights Viewing Center

Authors:
Ulises Salas Alzogaray, Agustina Gonzalez Inigo
Curvilinear Glass Facades and Sustainable Wood Integration Design for Northern Lights Viewing Center

Project in-detail

Curvilinear glass facades reflect the dynamic movements of the northern lights while the sustainable wood structure provides a multi-functional space for community engagement and seasonal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design mimics the movement of northern lights for enhanced visual connection.
02
Large glass facades promote natural light while framing panoramic landscape views.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer durability and a unique aesthetic finish.
05
Integrated viewing platforms maximize opportunities for outdoor engagement with nature.

### Overview
Vittan, located in Iceland's striking landscape, is designed to respond to the region's natural beauty and the phenomenon of the northern lights. The structure integrates harmoniously into its surroundings, featuring a fluid architectural form that reflects the dynamic movement of auroras. This design aims to foster a deep connection between users and the environment, facilitating an immersive experience while maximizing breathtaking views.

### Fluid Architectural Strategy
The building employs a sinuous design language that mirrors the flow of light seen in the night sky. Its configuration promotes continuity, supporting optimal sunlight access and enhancing visual engagement with the external landscape. Two distinct access points facilitate ease of movement, encouraging interaction between the built environment and the surrounding natural features. The interior spaces are designed to be open and fluid, allowing for natural circulation and a strong relationship with the outdoors.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a critical role in both aesthetics and functionality within the challenging climate of Iceland. The primary materials include wood for warmth and sustainability, steel for structural integrity, concrete for foundational strength, and extensive glazing to maximize views and reflect the landscape. Insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam, are employed to ensure thermal efficiency, promoting passive heating and cooling throughout the year. This thoughtful selection underlines a commitment to sustainability, enabling the structure to adapt to the seasonal variations typical of the region.

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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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