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Equilateral Triangles and Solar Panels Shaping Modular Lodging in Nature

Author:
Sam Sempill
Equilateral Triangles and Solar Panels Shaping Modular Lodging in Nature

Project in-detail

Equilateral triangles constructed with effective insulation and solar panels create a sustainable lodge that harmonizes with the Mývatn landscape, offering guests a unique experience under the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equilateral triangle modules allow for flexible spatial configurations.
02
Bedrooms feature glazed roofs for optimal stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.
03
Greywater recycling system minimizes water waste for sustainable living.
04
Rubber seals enhance structural connections and facilitate quick assembly.
05
Screw pile foundations adapt to the uneven terrain of the nature reserve.

The Lantern Lodge project is located in the Mývatn-Laxa nature reserve in Iceland, known for its striking geological features, including wetlands, geothermal areas, and volcanic formations. Designed as modular accommodation, the project features interconnected equilateral triangles forming individual bedroom units. This layout aims to enhance guest comfort while promoting privacy. The design concept focuses on integrating the structures with the surrounding environment, allowing occupants to enjoy views of Lake Mývatn and the Northern Lights.

Modular Structure

The layout consists of a series of equilateral triangles, each with a floor area of 16 square meters. Each unit can house a double bed or two single beds, providing versatility for various guest needs. This modular design enables efficient use of space and easy assembly. It can also be reconfigured as necessary, adapting to seasonal changes and occupancy levels.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. Solar panels are installed on the roofs of the units, capturing renewable energy and contributing to the facility's energy efficiency. Effective insulation techniques are employed to maintain comfort in the cold climate of the region. The building also includes a greywater recycling system to filter and reuse shower water, reducing waste and promoting responsible resource use.

Natural Integration

The design encourages a connection with the natural surroundings. Glazed roof areas in the bedrooms allow natural light to flood the interiors and provide opportunities for stargazing. Rubber seals used in the connections between triangle units ensure structural integrity and enable quick assembly. This approach helps the facility adjust to the rugged terrain, using screw piles for secure anchoring.

Unique Living Experience

At Lantern Lodge, guests experience a distinct living environment that balances privacy with a connection to nature. The modular design responds to the climate, allowing units to be oriented for optimal views. This careful attention to spatial arrangement creates bright and inviting living spaces, enriching the experience of staying in such an extraordinary landscape. Each unit provides a sense of seclusion while opening up to the beauty of its surroundings.

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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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