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Expandable Guest Rooms with Glass Skylights and Timber Cladding in Iceland

Author:
Anna Makaikina
Expandable Guest Rooms with Glass Skylights and Timber Cladding in Iceland

Project in-detail

With its flexible, expandable guest rooms enhanced by large glass skylights and clad in sustainable timber, the design captures the essence of Iceland's natural beauty while providing a unique accommodation experience immersed in the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features expandable guest rooms that can be adjusted using sliding wall panels for optimal space utilization.
02
Large glass skylights are integrated into the design to enhance natural light and provide views of the Northern Lights.
03
Sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the structure’s durability and environmental efficiency.
04
Charred wooden shingles are used on the exterior to enhance weather resistance while creating a distinctive aesthetic.
05
The pentagonal shape promotes a unique spatial flow, fostering both communal interaction and private retreats for guests.
The Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project presents an innovative architectural design that thoroughly engages with its surroundings while providing flexible accommodations. This project embodies the idea of integrating human habitation with the stunning natural scenery unique to Iceland, particularly the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Designed to function as a multi-purpose accommodation space, the structure reflects a contemporary understanding of architecture that prioritizes both user comfort and environmental sensitivity.

The main building is arranged in a pentagonal format, which not only facilitates a distinct visual presence but also maximizes the potential for adaptable space. Central to the design is a core that houses essential facilities, including a reception area, a kitchen, and communal spaces like a dining room and sauna. This arrangement promotes social interaction among guests while ensuring that the heart of the building remains functional despite varying group sizes and activities.

A noteworthy feature of the design is the inclusion of expandable guest rooms that surround the central structure. Each room can adjust in size through the use of sliding wall panels. This dynamic configuration allows the rooms to cater to different group needs, whether accommodating couples seeking intimacy or larger groups requiring more space. By employing this flexible design approach, the project seeks to enhance the user experience, allowing guests to tailor their environment according to their requirements.

The architectural response to the Icelandic climate is evident through careful material choices. The exterior utilizes wooden cladding, which not only provides natural insulation but also harmonizes with the stunning environment. Additionally, large glass panels are strategically incorporated to foster a connection between the interior spaces and the breathtaking landscapes outside. The emphasis on transparency invites natural light into the building while also allowing visitors to witness the changing scenery throughout the day and night, including the dramatic display of the auroras.

Another significant aspect of this architectural design is the pyramid-shaped skylight at the center of the building. This structure serves as both a lighting feature and a focal point, directing views skyward and encouraging guests to engage with the celestial phenomena that Iceland is famous for. The skylight’s design thoughtfully enhances the visitor experience, encouraging connection to the natural elements that envelop the building.

Sustainability forms a cornerstone of the architectural principles reflected in this project. The inclusion of solar panels on the roof showcases a commitment to reducing reliance on external energy resources. This aligns with contemporary design trends that prioritize ecological responsibility. The materials chosen not only cater to durability in extreme weather but also contribute to an energy-efficient design, ensuring a lower carbon footprint.

In terms of unique design approaches, the project emphasizes social interaction through the layout and communal spaces. By clustering living areas around the central core, the design supports shared experiences among guests, allowing for a sense of community while also enabling privacy when needed. This thoughtful balance of communal and personal space is a deliberate acknowledgment of modern hospitality trends that cater to diverse preferences.

The architectural plans reveal a sophisticated understanding of both functionality and aesthetics, as they thoughtfully articulate the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. The architectural sections provide insight into how each space within the project interacts with both light and landscape, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

For those interested in comprehending the architectural ideas behind the Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project further, exploring the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insights into its innovative structure and functionality. Engaging with these elements will enrich the understanding of how this project excels in providing a unique accommodation experience in harmony with its breathtaking surroundings.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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