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Reclaimed Concrete Pods With Curvilinear Forms Embracing Nature's Elements

Authors:
Delson or sherman architects Pc, Jeff Sherman, Perla Delson
Reclaimed Concrete Pods With Curvilinear Forms Embracing Nature's Elements

Project in-detail

Repurposed concrete pods featuring curvilinear forms and low-iron glass create an immersive retreat that harmonizes with the breathtaking landscape, offering an unparalleled experience of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes repurposed concrete pipes to create functional sleeping pods, highlighting sustainability.
02
Each pod features low-iron glass to provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, enhancing the natural experience.
03
Cork lining within the pods serves both insulation and aesthetic purposes, promoting warmth and comfort.
04
Pathways made from natural materials navigate the landscape, fostering a connection between built and natural environments.
05
The pods are mobile, allowing for adaptive placement in response to seasonal changes in the site.
Camp Norðurljós embodies a unique architectural response to its environment, focusing on sustainability and community engagement while ensuring guests enjoy an intimate connection with nature. This project is set against a backdrop ideal for experiencing the Northern Lights, allowing the design to draw inspiration from the mesmerizing natural phenomena overhead. At its core, the project represents a thoughtful balance between human habitation and the natural landscape, fostering an appreciation for the ecological systems that surround it.

Functionally, Camp Norðurljós serves as a retreat designed to accommodate visitors seeking solace and respite from the fast-paced world. It comprises ten identical sleeping pods, each made from repurposed concrete pipes. This choice of material is not only practical but also underscores the camp's commitment to environmental sustainability. By utilizing reclaimed materials, the design minimizes its ecological footprint while creating a unique aesthetic that harmonizes with the surroundings.

The sleeping pods are oriented to maximize views of the night sky, directly engaging residents with the celestial display. Featuring low-iron glass at their openings, the pods ensure that views are clear and unobstructed, enhancing the connection between the interior spaces and the atmospheric phenomenon. Each pod is outfitted with a natural cork lining that provides insulation and a comfortable interior while reinforcing the camp's sustainable principles.

The architectural configuration of Camp Norðurljós thoughtfully considers both private and communal spaces. In addition to the sleeping accommodations, the main communal house serves as the heart of the camp, offering dining and social areas where guests can gather, share experiences, and build community ties. This communal aspect encourages social interaction while still respecting the need for private retreats, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of human needs in architectural design.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout Camp Norðurljós. The project emphasizes flexibility and mobility, with each pod designed to be relocated as necessary, exhibiting an innovative approach to site adaptability and environmental responsiveness. The entire layout promotes accessibility through pathways constructed from natural materials that seamlessly weave through the landscape, creating a continuity between build and nature.

The philosophy behind Camp Norðurljós is further reinforced by its landscaping, which integrates local flora to promote biodiversity and enhance the ecological richness of the campsite. By practicing landscape sensitivity, the project not only creates an inviting retreat for its guests but also fosters a more profound engagement with the local ecosystem.

As visitors experience the tranquil environment and the beauty of the Northern Lights from the comfort of their pods, Camp Norðurljós offers an embodied reminder of the importance of respecting and coexisting with nature. The architectural design reflects a sensitivity to environmental contexts, reinforcing the notion that modern projects can be both functional and responsible.

For those interested in delving deeper into the design principles and architectural intricacies of Camp Norðurljós, exploring the presentation of the project is highly recommended. Engaging with architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide enhanced insights into the thoughtful and sustainable vision that guided this exceptional architectural project.
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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
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