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Modular Guest Pods With Turf Roofs and Expansive Glazing for Northern Light Viewing

Authors:
Tan Yeong en, Lai Hong jing, Judson toh Kok zin, Ning Jia cheng
Modular Guest Pods With Turf Roofs and Expansive Glazing for Northern Light Viewing

Project in-detail

Removable guest pods crafted from timber and featuring turf roofs offer immersive views of the northern lights, providing adaptable accommodations that blend seamlessly with the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular guest pods can be detached and relocated for optimized viewing experience.
02
Turf roofs provide natural insulation while blending with the surrounding landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and environmental performance.
04
Large expanses of glazing maximize natural light and views of the aurora borealis.
05
The design incorporates a water collection system to promote sustainability and resource efficiency.

### Overview
Located in a prime area for observing the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights Adaptive Rooms Project is an architectural initiative designed to enhance visitor experiences while integrating with the natural landscape. The structure balances aesthetic appeal with functional design and sustainability, creating an environment that caters to both individual needs and communal interactions.

### Spatial Strategy
The design emphasizes adaptability, with a layout consisting of distinct public and private areas. Central to this arrangement is a permanent hub that facilitates communal activities, while surrounding structures allow for personal retreats and privacy. By incorporating detachable guest pods, visitors can choose their preferred locations to optimize views and engage with the environment. This approach crafts a dynamic spatial experience that encourages exploration and interaction.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and contextual relevance. Reinforced concrete provides structural durability, while timber framing adds warmth and visual connection to the surroundings. The use of a fabric membrane in the portable guesthouses emphasizes flexibility, and extensive glazing ensures natural light enhances interiors. A turf roof aligns with traditional Icelandic architecture, offering natural insulation and minimizing visual impact, all of which reinforces the project's ecological sensitivity. The inclusion of a water collecting pond fosters water conservation practices, promoting a self-sufficient ecosystem.

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

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Competition organisers

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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