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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

Project in-detail

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.
The Northern LightRooms project is an architectural design for a holiday resort located in a mountainous region, specifically developed to facilitate optimal views of the Aurora Borealis. This project integrates modern architectural strategies with natural landscapes, creating a setting that emphasizes both privacy and community. The design addresses specific user needs, enabling visitors to engage directly with their surroundings while benefiting from essential amenities.

The central aspect of the design is a circular arrangement of housing units surrounding a main office structure. This layout promotes an organized movement pattern, allowing residents and staff to access amenities and services efficiently. The project accommodates diverse visitor profiles, featuring single, double, and family apartments, which collectively support a maximum occupancy of 21 guests. Each accommodation includes a kitchen, a lounge area, lofted bedrooms, and fully equipped bathrooms, ensuring comfort and functionality.

Materiality and Structural Design

A distinctive feature of the Northern LightRooms is its focus on lightweight and flexible materials. Constructed from a combination of hot-rolled sheet steel and oriented strand board (OSB), the framework balances durability with ease of transport. Insulation materials, particularly glass wool, enhance thermal efficiency, addressing the challenges posed by the colder climate. The use of birch plywood in the interiors not only offers aesthetic warmth but also aligns with the project’s holistic design philosophy. Additionally, the inclusion of metal plating reinforces the structural integrity while ensuring that each unit remains lightweight and mobile.

Designing for Natural Integration

The architectural design strategically incorporates large windows and openings, enabling unobstructed views of the night sky, an essential feature for guests seeking to experience the Aurora Borealis. This design approach seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a connection with nature. Additionally, the configurations promote community engagement, with paths and communal areas oriented around the central office, allowing residents to interact while preserving individual privacy.

The main office itself serves multiple functions - as a reception area, bistro, and seminar room - enhancing operational efficiency within the resort. Its role transcends that of a mere administrative space; it fosters a sense of belonging among guests and staff alike.

The Northern LightRooms project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architectural design with environmental and contextual considerations, focusing on facilitating unique visitor experiences. For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and unique architectural ideas that define this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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