Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Modular Cabins Crafted from Charred Wooden Shingles in Harmony with Northern Landscapes

Authors:
Inci lize Ogun, Karolina Pajnowska, Karolina Mieszczanek
Modular Cabins Crafted from Charred Wooden Shingles in Harmony with Northern Landscapes

Project in-detail

Showcasing modular cabins clad in charred wooden shingles, this retreat seamlessly integrates with the northern landscape to create a unique space for guests to experience the enchanting auroras.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each cabin features a flexible layout that allows for repositioning based on seasonal views of the auroras.
02
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic that ties into the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to create efficient thermal performance while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Large glass walls provide unobstructed views and foster a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding nature.
05
The retreat includes communal spaces designed for collaborative activities, enhancing social interaction among guests.
The Aurora Sanctuary is an architectural project designed to immerse visitors in the experience of witnessing the Northern Lights while fostering a strong connection with the surrounding environment. Located in a region renowned for its stunning natural phenomena, the sanctuary represents an innovative blend of sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement. Its primary function is to serve as a retreat, offering both communal spaces and private accommodations that allow guests to engage deeply with the natural landscape.

The architectural design is characterized by a modular approach that emphasizes flexibility and interaction. The layout features a central host house, which serves as the main gathering place, providing living and dining facilities that encourage social connection among guests. Surrounding this central hub are individual cabins designed to offer private retreats. Each cabin is constructed with mobility in mind, enabling them to be repositioned according to the preferences of the occupants and the seasonal changes in the environment.

A key aspect of the design is the careful selection of materials, which include wooden cladding, glass, and steel frames. The wooden cladding not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides thermal insulation, ensuring comfort during colder months. Expansive glass surfaces are strategically incorporated to maximize views of the natural surroundings, including the aurora displays that draw visitors to the site. The lightweight steel frames support the modular structures, allowing for creative configurations that respond to the site’s landscape.

The color palette throughout the sanctuary reflects the natural tones of the environment, with earthy hues that blend harmoniously with the landscape. This design choice reinforces the intention of creating a space that feels integrated with its surroundings, rather than imposing on them. The structures utilize generous overhangs and outdoor terraces to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor areas, promoting a seamless flow and inviting guests to enjoy the open air while still being sheltered.

Unique design approaches are evident in how the sanctuary emphasizes interaction with nature and community engagement. The mobility of the cabins allows for an adaptable living experience. Guests can reposition their accommodations to optimize their personal experience of the auroras, creating opportunities for exploration and dialogue around the natural phenomena. Additionally, features such as integrated wellness facilities, which include saunas and pools, promote relaxation and foster social connections among guests.

Throughout the sanctuary, spaces are designed to invite gathering and interaction while still providing areas for reflection and solitude. The inclusion of greenhouse areas encourages self-sufficiency and a connection to the natural cycles of the environment. Recreational zones further enhance the experience, offering partially covered spaces conducive to various activities, all while staying firmly rooted in the natural landscape.

The Aurora Sanctuary embodies a contemporary architectural ethos where the built environment is closely linked to the natural world. It represents not only a retreat from the demands of everyday life but also a thoughtful consideration of how architecture can enhance one’s connection to their surroundings. The project successfully balances community needs with individual experiences, exemplifying how innovative architectural designs can transform spaces into immersive, engaging environments.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Aurora Sanctuary, including detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying architectural ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. This will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful design processes that shaped this unique architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy