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Hexagonal Accommodations With Charred Wooden Shingles And Panoramic Views Of The Northern Lights

Authors:
Aki Hamada, Chris Fisher, Musashi Makiyama
Hexagonal Accommodations With Charred Wooden Shingles And Panoramic Views Of The Northern Lights

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and hexagonal layouts designed for optimal night sky visibility, the accommodation offers a sustainable experience for guests seeking immersion in the captivating Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Designed with hexagonal layouts to maximize guest views of the Northern Lights.
04
Features green roofs that blend with the landscape and provide natural insulation.
05
Employs geothermal heating to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.

### Project Overview

The Untamed - Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is located in Iceland, a region recognized for its remarkable natural landscapes and the enigmatic Aurora Borealis. The design aims to provide a distinctive hospitality experience, where architecture merges with the environment to emphasize sustainability and foster interaction with the natural surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The project features a spatial arrangement that includes interconnected units designed for flexibility and interaction. Guest accommodations are equipped with large windows to optimize views of the Northern Lights, while adaptable layouts cater to various group sizes and functions. Communal spaces for dining and relaxation are integrated within the design, promoting inclusivity among guests. Outdoor elements, such as fireplaces and seating areas, are thoughtfully positioned to enhance social engagement, providing warmth and comfort in the colder climate.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Sustainability is central to the project's material selection and environmental strategies. The use of rustic wood offers structural integrity and warmth, while large glass elements create transparency and unobstructed views of the sky. Green roofs covered with vegetation help blend the buildings into the landscape. Key environmental features include geothermal heating for energy efficiency, a rainwater harvesting system for resource reuse, wind turbines for renewable energy contribution, and a closed-loop recycling system that minimizes waste. Together, these elements reinforce a commitment to ecological responsibility while enhancing the overall guest experience.

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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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