Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Modular Cabins Featuring Triple-Glazed Windows and Renewable Timber in the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Maryanne Ewais, Camilo Cerro, Yasmeen Hamoudeh, Dhanny Wibowo
Modular Cabins Featuring Triple-Glazed Windows and Renewable Timber in the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Movable modular cabins constructed from renewable timber with triple-glazed windows provide immersive accommodations for experiencing the Northern Lights against the backdrop of Iceland's pristine landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable cabins allow flexibility in site arrangement based on guest needs.
02
Triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency while maximizing views.
03
Sustainable charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
The bent A-frame design facilitates snow shedding and integrates with the landscape.
05
Geothermal heating systems utilize local resources for environmentally conscious energy use.
Aurora Langhús is an architectural project located in northern Iceland, designed as a guesthouse that emphasizes integration with the natural landscape. This project serves the dual purpose of providing accommodations for visitors while allowing them to engage with the unique environmental features of the area, particularly the Northern Lights. The architecture reflects a blend of traditional Icelandic elements and contemporary sustainable practices, prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

The layout consists of several movable cabins organized along well-defined pathways. This spatial arrangement promotes exploration and offers varied experiences of the surrounding landscape. Each cabin is oriented to maximize exposure to breathtaking views while maintaining privacy for visitors. Key amenities are strategically placed to serve both communal and individual needs, fostering a sense of community among guests while respecting personal space.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout aspects of the Aurora Langhús project is the incorporation of movable cabins. This design choice allows for flexibility in occupancy and utilization of space throughout the seasons, reducing environmental impact by minimizing the permanent footprint. Such adaptability is significant in regions where guest demands fluctuate throughout the year.

The project also emphasizes sustainability through a range of eco-friendly features. These include geothermal heating systems, rainwater harvesting, and the use of biodegradable waste management solutions. The architectural design not only aligns with environmental conservation goals but also enhances the guest experience by integrating natural resources into the building's operation.

Materials play a crucial role in both aesthetic and functional aspects. The use of timber for construction aligns with traditional building methods, while triple-glazed windows ensure energy efficiency without compromising natural light. Metal roofing is selected for durability against harsh weather conditions, contributing to the overall resilience of the structures.

Architectural Integration with the Environment

Environmental integration is central to the design ethos of Aurora Langhús. Careful consideration is given to solar orientation and site topography, ensuring that buildings are positioned to facilitate optimal views of the Northern Lights. The landscape design incorporates native vegetation to promote biodiversity, further blending the project into its setting.

Passive solar heating and the strategic placement of windows enhance thermal comfort throughout the year. The project encourages visitors to engage with the captivating Icelandic landscape while preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of the area.

Explore the accompanying visual documentation to gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the innovative ideas behind this project. Through detailed analysis of these elements, readers can appreciate the significance and functionality of Aurora Langhús in the context of contemporary architectural practice.
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 17,249 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