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Dichroic Glass Facades and Movable Units for Community Retreats in Iceland

Authors:
Ravine Mangala, Ellen Spurlock, Lourdes Cruzhidalgo, Blaire Davis
Dichroic Glass Facades and Movable Units for Community Retreats in Iceland
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Utilizing movable guest units with dichroic glass facades, this architecture offers an immersive experience for visitors seeking to witness the Northern Lights while fostering communal connections in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable guest units allow for flexible positioning to maximize views of the Northern Lights.
02
Dichroic glass facades create dynamic color reflections that enhance the visual experience.
03
Reinforced concrete utilizes volcanic ash, ensuring sustainability and durability in harsh climates.
04
The layout promotes community interaction through shared spaces, emphasizing social engagement.
05
Timber elements provide warmth while integrating seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape.

### Overview

The Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is located in a visually striking region of Iceland, designed to accommodate visitors seeking an immersive experience of the Aurora Borealis. It focuses on creating a balance between communal interaction and individual retreat, drawing inspiration from Icelandic village traditions. The layout promotes both shared experiences and the opportunity for solitude, reflecting the connection between architecture and the surrounding natural environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Program Design

The site selection along the northern edge of the property maximizes visibility of the Northern Lights, while the design takes advantage of the landscape's natural topography to inform the arrangement of structures. Key programmatic elements include movable guest homes, each designed to accommodate 2-4 guests. These homes can rotate on a track system, allowing for optimal positioning relative to the auroras, while also facilitating community gatherings. Shared spaces include a social viewing terrace equipped with fire pits for communal enjoyment and an open kitchen and dining area to encourage interaction among guests. Private accommodations are designed to offer tranquility and comfort, ensuring a retreat-like experience.

### Material Composition

Material selection is pivotal in achieving both aesthetic coherence and functional resilience within the harsh Icelandic climate. Dichroic glass is employed to enhance the visual appeal of the guest homes, reflecting the changing colors of the night sky. Reflective metal siding provides durability and integrates the structures with the landscape, while wood is utilized for its warmth in both interiors and communal spaces. Additionally, volcanic ash reinforced concrete is used for structural elements, ensuring long-term sustainability amidst environmental challenges.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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