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Elevated Cabins with Panoramic Views Crafted from Local Timber and Corrugated Sheeting

Authors:
Maximilian xaver Pfaffinger, Jonas Baedeker
Elevated Cabins with Panoramic Views Crafted from Local Timber and Corrugated Sheeting

Project in-detail

Constructed with a wooden frame and characterized by mobile units that provide panoramic views, these elevated cabins in Iceland offer a sustainable retreat for visitors seeking an immersive Northern Lights experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated cabins use screw foundations to minimize land disturbance.
02
Mobile units within the cabins allow for flexible interior layouts.
03
Large glass panels provide uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.
04
Construction incorporates locally sourced materials for sustainability.
05
Each cabin is strategically oriented for optimal natural light and sightlines.
The "Point of View" project is a series of cabins designed for optimal Northern Lights viewing in Skíðadalur, Iceland. The architectural design emphasizes minimal disruption to the natural landscape while providing modern accommodations for visitors. With a focus on functionality and sustainability, the project integrates seamlessly into its surroundings, allowing for both a unique visitor experience and environmental preservation.

Spatial Arrangement and Functionality

The cabins are constructed utilizing a wooden frame and a mobile box that contains essential living amenities. Each cabin is designed to host 1-4 guests, featuring a kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping area. The layout is adaptable, incorporating movable furniture that enhances usability for various activities. This functional approach ensures that guests can enjoy their stay while maintaining flexibility for communal use. The positioning of the cabins allows expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the Northern Lights, making them ideal for their intended purpose.

Sustainable Design and Materiality

A key aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The cabins are constructed from locally sourced materials, emphasizing wood for its insulation properties. Corrugated sheeting and aluminum provide robust external finishes suitable for Iceland's climate, while large glass openings create visual connections with the outdoors. The design employs renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, reinforcing the project's ecological integrity. Additionally, the cabins are elevated on screw foundations, minimizing ground disturbance and facilitating proper drainage in the frost-prone region.

Architectural Integration with Environment

The project integrates pathways that connect guest accommodations to communal facilities, such as restaurants and terraces. These pathways are designed to minimize disruption to the existing flora and fauna, reflecting a thoughtful approach to site planning. Each cabin is oriented to maximize the viewing experience of the Northern Lights and the scenic landscape throughout the year. This careful orientation highlights the architects' understanding of both the local geography and the natural phenomena that attract visitors.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of the "Point of View" project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs will provide valuable insights into the innovative ideas that define this unique undertaking. The analysis of architectural details and functional elements showcases how thoughtful design can enhance user experience while respecting the environment.
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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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