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Reflective Metal Panels and Charred Wood Shingles Define Unique Units for Viewing the Northern Lights

Authors:
Benjamin Smith, Carter Righi, Max Warshaw, Riley Lacalli
Reflective Metal Panels and Charred Wood Shingles Define Unique Units for Viewing the Northern Lights

Project in-detail

Reflective metal panels and charred wooden shingles complement angular forms designed for optimal aurora viewing, creating a unique residential experience in a sustainable community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective metal panels enhance the visual integration of structures into the natural landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable, weather-resistant exterior that blends with the environment.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes views of the Northern Lights from within each unit.
04
Large glass windows create a continuous connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding nature.
05
Modular unit configurations support flexible living arrangements for residents.

### Overview
"Gleaning the Cubes - Rooms for Northern Lights" is situated in a region renowned for its optimal visibility of the aurora borealis. The design aims to create a unique visitor experience by incorporating the natural phenomenon into its spatial and conceptual framework, enhancing the connection between built and natural environments.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality
The layout consists of multiple units organized within a triangular site plan, specifically oriented to maximize views of the northern skies. The accommodation types include both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom configurations, characterized by distinct geometric forms with steeply pitched roofs and varied wall angles to optimize light capture.

Key material choices include:
- **Metal Paneling**: Reflective metal finishes contribute to the visual impact against the natural landscape.
- **Glazing**: Expanses of glass enhance natural light access and create a seamless view of the surrounding environment.
- **Wood**: Used for structural elements and interior finishes, wood adds warmth and texture.

### Interaction with the Environment
Distinct elements such as wrap-around glass features facilitate continuous visual engagement with the Northern Lights. The architectural volumes respond dynamically to the viewer's perspective, employing 'polyhedron subtraction' to create varied spatial experiences that explore interactions of light and shadow. The strategic orientation of the units not only prioritizes sustainable resource use for heating and lighting but also effectively reduces overall energy consumption.

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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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