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Panoramic Views Through Insulated Glass and Sustainable Timber Construction in Mobile Lodging

Authors:
Rachel Connor, Shelby Tupac, Tania Agacanian, Kyle Wulf
Panoramic Views Through Insulated Glass and Sustainable Timber Construction in Mobile Lodging
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Utilizing mobile units constructed from sustainable timber and insulated glass, this lodging solution offers unobstructed panoramic views of the Northern Lights while providing a comfortable retreat for nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mobile guest pods for flexible positioning to enhance aurora viewing.
02
Incorporates solar panels for sustainable energy generation on-site.
03
Features extensive insulated glass for thermal efficiency and panoramic views.
04
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Includes a communal center for shared amenities while maintaining individual privacy.

### Project Overview
Located in northeastern Iceland, the Light Pod project is designed to provide environmentally efficient mobile accommodations for nature enthusiasts seeking to experience the Northern Lights. The conceptual framework emphasizes sustainability, privacy, and mobility, complemented by communal spaces to facilitate user engagement with the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The design incorporates a strategic placement of mobile guest pods, allowing occupants to relocate to optimal viewing spots of the aurora borealis. Each pod is constructed to enhance both individual privacy and community interaction, with shared amenities located in a central community center. This structure serves as a hub for guest resources, including dining and sanitation facilities, while fostering a sense of shared experience among visitors. The adaptable layout encourages exploration of the Icelandic environment, balancing solitude with connectivity to communal living.

### Sustainable Materiality and Systems
The selection of materials prioritizes durability and environmental efficiency. Key components include wood paneling for structural integrity, glazed panels for unobstructed views of the night sky, and insulated glass to maintain interior comfort. Each pod's mobile design is supported by an aluminum frame, while solar panels provide renewable energy for the entire facility. Environmental systems include an independent water source from nearby Lake Mývatn, ensuring a sustainable supply for guests. These features collectively align with contemporary environmental goals, presenting a model for responsible eco-tourism architecture.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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