Architecture project // Mobile Guest Rooms Featuring Reclaimed Wood and Sheep Wool Insulation for Northern Lights Retreat

Mobile Guest Rooms Featuring Reclaimed Wood and Sheep Wool Insulation for Northern Lights Retreat

Author:

Emily Geigle

Mobile guest rooms constructed with reclaimed wood and insulated with sheep wool offer a sustainable accommodation experience that emphasizes views of the Northern Lights near Lake Mývatn.

5 key facts about this project

Mobile units allow customization of views for each guest.

Utilizes sheep wool for insulation, enhancing thermal performance.

Geothermal energy systems support all heating and electricity needs.

Reclaimed wood materials reduce environmental impact in construction.

Educational resources on wildlife and Northern Lights enhance visitor experience.

General keywords

iceland guesthouse mobile sustainable resort mvatn hospitality nature geothermal accommodation

Project specific keywords

northern lights lake mvatn mobile units pine wood reclaimed materials sheep wool geothermal energy rainwater collection flexible layout educational resource

### Project Overview
Kanna encompasses a series of mobile guest rooms and a comprehensive resort located near Lake Mývatn, Iceland, designed to enhance visitors' experiences of the Northern Lights. The project aligns closely with its natural surroundings, utilizing the unique geographical features of the area to inform the architectural layout and intent. The name "Kanna," meaning "to explore" in Icelandic, reflects the emphasis on creating immersive experiences that connect guests with the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of Kanna is strategically oriented to optimize views of the auroras. Mobile guest rooms are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing them to adapt according to guests’ preferences for scenic visibility. This approach not only maintains visual connections to the lake and sky but also facilitates a flexible use of space, ensuring that each visitor can personalize their experience while remaining attuned to the natural environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The architectural design prioritizes the use of local and sustainable materials, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. Pine wood is selected for its lightweight and aesthetic qualities, while reclaimed wood is integrated within interior spaces to promote sustainability. Sheep wool serves as insulation, providing enhanced thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Buildings are powered by geothermal energy, harnessing the region's natural resources for heating and electricity. An innovative water management system that collects rainwater for reuse further underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability. The combination of these elements not only addresses functional needs but also contributes to a broader ecological ethos within the design framework.

The design incorporates large windows in the mobile guest rooms, facilitating unobstructed views of the Northern Lights and enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. The resort includes a social hub featuring a dining hall, outdoor terrace, and educational resources on local wildlife and phenomena, encouraging guest engagement with the natural surroundings.