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Elevated Observation Decks and Green Roofs Enhance Guest Experience Amid Icelandic Landscapes

Authors:
Erik Vodenik, Simon Magerl
Elevated Observation Decks and Green Roofs Enhance Guest Experience Amid Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Elevated observation decks and green roofs incorporate local stone and extensive glass facades, creating a sustainable retreat that maximizes views of the Northern Lights while ensuring comfort for its guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated observation decks provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
02
Green roofs incorporate native vegetation for enhanced insulation and water management.
03
Extensive use of locally sourced stone connects the design to the surrounding landscape.
04
The bent A-frame structure optimizes natural light while minimizing wind resistance.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure durability and sustainability in construction.

### Overview

The "Arctic Eyes" architectural project aims to provide unique accommodation for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland, specifically situated near Lake Mývatn. The design intent focuses on enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring a respectful interaction with the surrounding natural environment. By leveraging the area's distinctive geological features, the architecture aims to create a harmonious relationship between built forms and the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout features a radial design oriented around a central communal space, from which multiple pavilions extend. Each pavilion serves as an independent unit, characterized by expansive glass façades that facilitate panoramic views of the Northern Lights. This design promotes social interaction while offering private viewing opportunities. Additionally, a central courtyard acts as a transitional space, fostering communal engagement against the dramatic backdrop of Icelandic nature.

### Material and Structural Considerations

The project emphasizes sustainable practices through thoughtful material selection and design strategies. The extensive use of high-performance insulating glass ensures maximum light entry while maintaining thermal comfort. A steel frame provides durability suited to the harsh local climate, while local stone is incorporated in select façade elements to enhance the connection with the region's geological context. The slanted roofs adorned with native vegetation not only contribute to thermal insulation but also facilitate rainwater runoff, aligning with eco-conscious architectural trends. Elevated observation decks in selected units further enhance guest experiences by providing optimal vantage points for aurora viewing.

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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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