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Mobile Accommodation Featuring Lightweight Metal and OSB Construction for Optimal Aurora Viewing

Authors:
Judith Pelli, Oskar Bode, Qusay Awad
Mobile Accommodation Featuring Lightweight Metal and OSB Construction for Optimal Aurora Viewing
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Constructed from lightweight metal and oriented strand board, this mobile accommodation allows guests to reposition their lodging for optimal views of the Aurora Borealis while providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay in a remote natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile units can be repositioned to enhance visibility of the Aurora Borealis.
02
Constructed primarily from lightweight metal and oriented strand board for flexibility.
03
Central office serves multiple functions, including reception and communal dining.
04
Accommodations range from single to family-sized units, catering to diverse visitor needs.
05
Large windows allow unobstructed views of the surrounding natural landscape.

### Overview

The Northern LightRooms project entails the design of a holiday resort aimed at providing enhanced viewing opportunities of the Aurora Borealis, located within a mountainous landscape. The initiative is characterized by its innovative approach to mobility, allowing accommodation units to be repositioned for optimal celestial observation, thereby integrating modern architectural principles with the natural environment.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of the resort draws inspiration from traditional Viking village structures, emphasizing community through a central office that acts as the core. Surrounding this hub, housing units are arranged in a circular pattern that facilitates easy navigation for residents and staff. The diversified dwelling options include single, double, and family apartments, accommodating up to 21 guests at any given time. Each unit is equipped with essential amenities, including a kitchen, lounge area, lofted bedrooms, and bathrooms, ensuring both comfort and practicality.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project prioritizes materiality with a focus on lightweight construction methods. The primary framework consists of hot-rolled sheet steel and oriented strand board (OSB), ensuring mobility and durability. Insulation is provided by glass wool for thermal efficiency, while birch plywood contributes a warm interior aesthetic alongside metal plating that enhances structural integrity.

Environmental sensitivity is a key consideration, with underground utilities implemented to minimize surface disruption and preserve the surrounding natural setting. This approach allows for unobstructed views and respects the local ecosystem while enabling an immersive guest experience that aligns with the visual spectacle of the Aurora Borealis.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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