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Mobile Lodging Featuring Geothermal Energy And Sustainable Timber Facades

Authors:
Maria Canepa, Andrea Quartara, Pietro Calciano
Mobile Lodging Featuring Geothermal Energy And Sustainable Timber Facades

Project in-detail

The mobile units, constructed with sustainable timber facades and equipped with geothermal energy systems, offer guests an immersive experience under the Northern Lights while minimizing environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile units allow flexible repositioning for optimal aurora viewing.
02
Geothermal energy systems ensure efficient heating and sustainability.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durability while integrating with the landscape.
05
The bent A-frame design minimizes wind resistance and maximizes light capture.

### Project Overview

"Iceland Northern Lights Rooms" is situated in the diverse landscapes of Iceland, designed to enhance visitor engagement with the natural environment, specifically the Northern Lights. The project emphasizes mobility, sustainability, and a connection to Iceland’s striking geographical features, seeking to create a unique visitor experience in harmony with its surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Design

The architectural layout comprises distinct functional zones, including guest rooms, common areas, and support facilities like a host family house and barn. Guest rooms are designed as mobile units, allowing for unobstructed views of the night sky, fostering a direct connection to the landscape. Common areas promote social interaction among visitors, enriching the overall experience. The spatial arrangement respects traditional Icelandic architectural forms while accommodating contemporary needs.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

The project utilizes durable materials such as timber and metal, selected for their resilience in challenging climatic conditions. The incorporation of green roofs aligns with sustainable architectural practices, while angular facades enhance light and shadow dynamics. Key sustainability features include geothermal systems for heating and rainwater harvesting mechanisms, ensuring efficient resource management and energy independence. LED lighting throughout the interiors contributes to energy efficiency, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that aligns with the natural environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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