Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Stainless Steel Guest Modules Embracing Iceland's Natural Landscape

Author:
Louis Lévêque
Reflective Stainless Steel Guest Modules Embracing Iceland's Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Polished stainless steel guest modules reflect Iceland's unique landscape while providing immersive accommodations designed for solitude and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Polished stainless steel facets reflect the surrounding landscape, allowing the guest modules to blend into the environment.
02
The site is divided into three distinct zones, each catering to different guest experiences.
03
Overall design includes cantilevered sections to minimize the physical footprint on the land.
04
Guest modules draw inspiration from Icelandic crystals, enhancing the unique architectural identity.
05
A wooden path encircles the host house, promoting exploration and interaction with nature.

The Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is set in the tranquil wilderness of Iceland, designed to create a memorable experience for guests while being mindful of the natural environment. It combines various accommodations within a single structure and eight mobile guest houses, allowing for a compact and functional layout that respects the landscape. The host house is strategically placed to make the most of elevated views, surrounded by paths that connect different guest areas.

Site Organization

The layout of the project divides the guest accommodations into three main zones. The Top Spot is meant for those seeking peace and stunning vistas. The Mid Spot serves as a central gathering area, encouraging social interactions among guests. Meanwhile, the Low Spot offers a relaxing atmosphere near a quiet lake. This arrangement gives guests the ability to select their preferred setting, enhancing their connection with nature.

Architectural Form

The host house has a circular design that facilitates an easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Its form includes some cantilevered sections, especially on the northeastern side, which helps reduce the building's footprint and allows for expansive views of the surroundings. This design emphasizes brightness and openness, inviting natural light while keeping the natural landscape intact.

Guest Room Design

The mobile guest rooms are influenced by Iceland's unique geological features, particularly the crystals found in Helgustadir Mine. With polished stainless steel facets, these rooms reflect light and the environment, enabling them to blend with the landscape. There are two sizes of modules: a smaller version that accommodates one to two guests and a larger one that can host up to four guests, each differing in height to enhance the experience.

Material Choices

Selected materials include polished stainless steel, aluminum profiles, and triple glazing. These materials not only serve practical purposes but also promote comfort and energy efficiency. The overall design reflects a commitment to harmony with the Icelandic landscape, focusing on simplicity and functionality while maintaining an aesthetic that complements the setting.

The host house features a gently winding path that circles around it and leads to the accommodation areas, encouraging guests to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy