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Elevated Stilt Structures Crafted From Sustainable Timber and Expansive Glass Facades Offering Uninterrupted Northern Lights Views

Author:
Agata Jankowska
Elevated Stilt Structures Crafted From Sustainable Timber and Expansive Glass Facades Offering Uninterrupted Northern Lights Views

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts and utilizing sustainable timber and expansive glass facades, this design integrates seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape to provide guests with unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated stilt design enhances stability and minimizes land disruption.
02
Large glass facades maximize natural light and views of the aurora borealis.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a unique aesthetic.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems promote environmental sustainability.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes snow shedding and structural integrity.

## Overview

"Beds in Northern Lights" is located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, an area renowned for its natural beauty and the display of the Northern Lights. The project seeks to create a series of accommodations that deepen the connection between occupants and the surrounding environment, while prioritizing sustainability and reflecting local cultural aesthetics through deliberate architectural choices.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design employs a modular approach, facilitating adaptability and scalability according to varied site conditions and occupancy needs. Each unit is elevated on stilts to mitigate land impact and enhance engagement with the landscape, offering expansive views of the natural surroundings and the sky. The arrangement promotes communal interactions through shared spaces, such as a primary building designed as a hub for social activities, while maintaining individual privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project emphasizes sustainable material choices, prominently using timber that aligns with local construction practices and minimizes carbon emissions. Expansive glass windows are strategically integrated to maximize natural light and exterior views, particularly showcasing the Northern Lights. The structural elements incorporate steel or reinforced concrete for durability against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the design incorporates geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels to harness renewable energy, and rainwater collection mechanisms to support self-sufficient water management, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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