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Mobile Pods Constructed from Charred Wood Integrating Seamlessly with the Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Tom Irwin
Mobile Pods Constructed from Charred Wood Integrating Seamlessly with the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from charred wood, mobile pods offer a unique retreat experience that integrates with the Icelandic landscape, providing spaces for both solitude and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile pods designed to evoke nostalgic railway compartments enhance user experience and comfort.
02
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the design promotes durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
03
Integrates seamlessly with the landscape, allowing for unobstructed views of the northern lights.
04
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide both structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
05
Prioritizes self-sufficiency through wood stoves, minimizing reliance on external energy sources.
The Northern Lights project is an architectural design situated in Iceland, responding to the region's unique topography and climate. This scheme has been conceived as a retreat, aimed at fostering individual reflection and connection with nature. The composition includes a series of defined spaces that serve both communal and private functions, effectively blending with the surrounding landscape.

The architecture emphasizes comfort while promoting isolation from urban distractions. This dual focus facilitates a deeper connection between occupants and their environment. The project is structured to support varied activities, encouraging occupants to engage in social gatherings as well as solitary reflection. The design invites users to experience the changing seasons and the captivating northern lights, enhancing the overall engagement with the natural world.

Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The project consists of multiple zones designed to accommodate different functions, including lounges, dining areas, and private pods. This spatial configuration allows for flexibility, catering to group interactions while also providing intimate spaces for personal solitude. The arrangement prioritizes views of the stunning Icelandic landscape, ensuring that occupants can appreciate their surroundings in various contexts.

Unique Elements of Design

A standout feature of the Northern Lights project is the use of mobile pods styled like nostalgic railway compartments. This particular design choice encourages exploration and interaction, allowing users to occupy spaces that evoke familiarity and comfort. Each pod is equipped for self-sufficiency, utilizing wood stoves as a primary heating source and thereby minimizing reliance on electric utilities. This approach aligns with the project's sustainability goals and enhances the experience of living in harmony with the environment.

Additionally, large expanses of glass are strategically incorporated into the design, providing natural light while framing views of the dramatic landscape. The selection of materials, including timber and steel, is deliberate, blending durability with an aesthetic that reflects the region's resources. The thoughtful interplay of these materials creates an inviting atmosphere conducive to reflection and relaxation.

The project emphasizes sustainability and minimalism, encouraging occupants to engage in a simpler lifestyle that prioritizes their connection to nature. To explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas further, please review the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its intricate details and conceptual underpinnings.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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