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Dynamic Light Displays Within Translucent Glass and Sustainable Oak Structures

Author:
Rebecca Smith
Dynamic Light Displays Within Translucent Glass and Sustainable Oak Structures

Project in-detail

Translucent glass panels reflect dynamic light displays against a backdrop of sustainable oak structures, creating an immersive experience for guests in a hospitality setting designed for optimal viewing of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass panels enhance natural light while providing reflective surfaces for light displays.
02
Movable Guest Pods allow for optimal positioning to view the Northern Lights.
03
Wood-burning stoves offer eco-friendly heating solutions in each accommodation.
04
Operable garage doors in the Host House create seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.
05
Sustainable materials include locally sourced oak and charred wooden shingles for durability.

# Architectural Analysis Report: Reflections - A Story of Light

## Project Overview
Located in Iceland, "Reflections: A Story of Light" is a hospitality destination designed to enhance the experience of witnessing the Northern Lights. The project integrates architectural structures with the natural landscape, allowing light displays to interact with the built environment while prioritizing sustainable living practices.

## Spatial Interaction and Community Engagement
The design framework emphasizes an immersive experience that connects architecture, nature, and art. By providing communal spaces, the project fosters social interactions among guests, encouraging a collective engagement with the surrounding environment. The layout promotes a dynamic relationship between the built elements and the natural phenomena, with specific features designed for optimal viewing of the Northern Lights.

### Architectural Features
Guest Pods, accommodating 2–3 visitors each, are strategically positioned to maximize visibility of the natural light shows. These structures are constructed with translucent glazed panels, facilitating both daylighting and visual interaction with the dynamic light displays. Each pod is equipped with a wood-burning stove to maintain warmth while adhering to eco-friendly principles.

The Host House serves as a central communal space with operable garage doors that blend indoor and outdoor environments. This area is designed to support gatherings, discussions, and shared dining experiences, fostering a sense of community among guests. Incorporating solar panels on the roof supports sustainable energy needs while reducing the overall environmental footprint of the facility.

## Material and Construction Strategy
The project utilizes a combination of traditional and contemporary materials to reflect Iceland's cultural heritage while embracing modern design aesthetics. Pale oak wood prominently accents the Guest Pods, lending a Nordic character, while black steel and aluminum provide a contrasting visual texture.

Sustainability is reflected not only in the choice of materials but also in infrastructural elements like rainwater cisterns and energy-efficient systems. The architectural design engages with the surrounding landscape and climate, reinforcing a commitment to ecological responsibility that resonates with the natural beauty of Iceland.

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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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