Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Nature retreat featuring Structural Insulated Panels and locally sourced timber in a volcanic landscape

Authors:
Michael paul Lewis, Will Campbell
Nature retreat featuring Structural Insulated Panels and locally sourced timber in a volcanic landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled within Iceland's volcanic landscape, this nature retreat seamlessly integrates locally sourced timber and Structural Insulated Panels to create a tranquil space for experiencing the Northern Lights, inviting guests to connect deeply with the environment while enjoying sustainable comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for superior insulation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort in harsh climates.
02
Guest cabins feature panoramic windows angled to optimize views of the Aurora Borealis, creating a direct connection to the night sky.
03
Local timber is utilized not only for structural integrity but also to support the regional economy and promote sustainable building practices.
04
Custom bent A-frame structures enhance both aesthetic appeal and structural stability, allowing for efficient snow shedding during winter months.
05
A traditional Icelandic sauna is integrated into the communal experience, emphasizing local cultural practices and providing an immersive relaxation area for guests.
The architectural project "Northern Lights Rooms," located in the captivating landscapes of Iceland, serves as a thoughtful exploration of how architecture can harmonize with nature and enhance the human experience. This project is designed to provide a unique accommodation experience centered around the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, functioning not only as a collection of guest cabins but as a retreat that integrates community and sustainability within its architectural framework.

At its core, the project represents a celebration of the rugged beauty and contrasts inherent to Iceland—evoking the elements of fire and ice that define its landscapes. Each architectural element has been carefully considered to reflect this duality while fostering a strong connection between guests and the Icelandic environment. The design comprises a series of guest cabins that are strategically placed to capture stunning vistas and allow guests to experience the night sky in an intimate setting, effectively blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor wonder.

The essential functions of the project include providing comfortable and inviting spaces for relaxation and social interaction. The individual cabins, designed to accommodate small groups of 2 to 4 people, feature expansive windows that frame views of the landscape, making the aurora viewing experience an integral aspect of their stay. The communal feasting hall functions as a central gathering point for guests, encouraging social engagement while offering meals with a backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery. This design fosters a feeling of community among visitors while maintaining an atmosphere of tranquility and seclusion.

Architectural details such as the careful arrangement of the cabins along a central spine facilitate exploration and movement throughout the site. The pathways that connect different structures are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing guests to enjoy the landscape without disturbing its natural state. The thoughtful composition of the project creates an inviting journey, where every corner offers a new perspective on the natural beauty surrounding the site.

The unique design approaches within the project include a strong emphasis on sustainability and the use of local materials. Architectural choices like Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provide exceptional insulation, reducing energy consumption while ensuring guest comfort. In addition, materials such as locally sourced timber, Icelandic Birch, and Siberian Larch are utilized, emphasizing ecological responsibility and enhancing the site’s connection to local culture and resources. The project also incorporates sustainable technologies, such as solar energy systems and rainwater harvesting, showcasing a commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.

Another noteworthy design feature is the integration of a sauna, which serves both as a relaxation space and a communal area for socializing. This facility reflects traditional Icelandic practices, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a culturally rich experience that resonates with the landscape's natural elements. By positioning the sauna as part of the overall journey, the design encourages visitors to embrace both relaxation and connection to nature.

As visitors engage with the Northern Lights Rooms project, they experience a thoughtfully curated interaction with the landscape that highlights its beauty and uniqueness. The architectural designs, plans, and sections reveal a comprehensive understanding of the environmental context, emphasizing an architecture that respects and enhances its surroundings.

For those interested in further exploring the intricacies of this architectural endeavor, reviewing the architectural plans and sections will provide a deeper understanding of the design ideas and spatial relationships that shape this project. The Northern Lights Rooms stands as a testament to how careful architectural thought can create spaces that blend seamlessly with nature, providing guests with an enriching and immersive experience in one of the most stunning environments in the world.
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