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Panoramic Views with Reflective Curtains in a Geothermal Hospitality Setting

Authors:
In Soyeon, Im Miri, Kim Rihyeon
Panoramic Views with Reflective Curtains in a Geothermal Hospitality Setting

Project in-detail

Reflective curtains create an immersive experience of the aurora borealis, while a docking system ensures flexible guest room configurations in a medium-large geothermal hospitality setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective curtains enhance the illusion of being surrounded by the aurora borealis.
02
A docking system allows for flexible connections between guest rooms.
03
Guest rooms are designed in a hemispherical shape for optimal panoramic views.
04
Geothermal energy is utilized for heating and electricity generation.
05
The design prioritizes privacy while maintaining transparency to the outside environment.

Wavelength of Iceland is a unique response to the beautiful phenomenon of the aurora borealis, situated in the captivating landscape of Iceland. The design aims to enhance the experience for visitors, allowing them to connect deeply with their surroundings. This approach combines comfort with the natural beauty of the area, making sure guests can enjoy the northern lights in a way that feels personal and immersive.

Design Concept

The main focus of the design is to maximize the visibility of the northern lights. Large glass walls in the guest rooms ensure that views are wide and unobstructed, providing a 360-degree perspective of the sky. This feature connects guests to the outdoor spectacle at all times. The addition of reflective curtains creates an interesting effect, giving the sense that the aurora envelops the space while still allowing for privacy.

Flexibility and Connectivity

A key element in the layout is the “Docking” system, which connects guest rooms to each other. This system allows rooms to be joined, creating larger spaces that can accommodate multiple guests. This design supports different social dynamics and keeps the atmosphere friendly and open. Guests can choose to engage with each other or retreat into private areas as they wish.

Sustainable Strategies

The project strongly emphasizes sustainability through the use of geothermal energy. By leveraging Iceland’s natural geothermal resources, it uses systems for water injection and high-temperature steam. These resources help to generate electricity through turbines while minimizing environmental impact. This alignment with nature not only enhances energy efficiency but also reflects a commitment to a more sustainable way of living.

Guest Room Experience

Each guest room features a hemispherical design that optimizes views of the northern lights. This shape allows for sweeping panoramic perspectives and makes guests feel entirely surrounded by the beauty outside. Every aspect of the room aims to enhance the user experience, encouraging an appreciation for the landscape and the natural light show above.

The interaction between the architecture and the aurora fosters a distinct and enriching environment for visitors, inviting them to engage fully with the stunning Icelandic landscape.

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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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