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Framing Celestial Displays With Prefabricated Metal Panels And Expansive Glass Facades

Authors:
Christopher Boon, Michaela Kleinhans
Framing Celestial Displays With Prefabricated Metal Panels And Expansive Glass Facades

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular design with prefabricated metal panels and large glass facades, the structure frames views of the Northern Lights while offering flexible residential spaces that encourage community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated metal panels for efficient construction and durability.
02
Features large glass facades designed specifically for optimal aurora viewing.
03
Employs modular layouts that adapt to different living arrangements.
04
Incorporates sustainable materials like natural wood for warmth in interiors.
05
Integrates pathways that enhance interaction with the surrounding landscape.

## Overview
Located in a region renowned for its natural beauty, the project emphasizes the interaction between architecture and the atmospheric phenomenon of the Northern Lights. The design intent focuses on creating an immersive experience that allows occupants to engage with their surroundings, integrating the architectural form with the landscape while fostering a connection to nature.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout consists of interconnected residential units that prioritize adaptability and community engagement. Each unit features versatile configurations designed to accommodate varied occupancy levels, integrating multifunctional spaces that encourage social interactions without compromising privacy. Common areas are purposefully positioned to facilitate gatherings, allowing residents and visitors to collectively appreciate the Northern Lights. The site planning responds to the topography, following natural contours to minimize ecological disruption and promoting a pathway system that guides residents through a sensory engagement with the environment.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations
Structural elements include an angular silhouette that reflects the movement of the auroras, directing light into interior spaces and enhancing the viewer's experience of the sky. The exterior is constructed from prefabricated metal panels designed for durability and environmental resilience, while expansive glass window frames maximize visibility and capture the dynamic lighting throughout the day. In contrast, interior finishes utilize natural wood and textiles, providing warmth and comfort against the cold exterior. The exterior's dark palette harmonizes with the night landscape, while illuminated interiors create a striking contrast that accentuates the interplay between the built environment and the natural phenomena surrounding it.

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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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