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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

Project in-detail

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 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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