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Reflective Steel Roof And Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Designed For Aurora Viewing

Author:
Handa Meiji
Reflective Steel Roof And Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Designed For Aurora Viewing

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a reflective steel roof and cross-laminated timber, creating a harmonious retreat that enhances the experience of viewing the Northern Lights while providing functional guest accommodations.
5 key facts about this project
01
The reflective steel roof captures and enhances the colors of the Northern Lights.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce environmental impact while providing structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior that blends with the landscape.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes viewing angles of the night sky.
05
Large glass panels invite natural light while minimizing artificial lighting needs.

## Project Overview
The Guest House Harmonized with Aurora is located in a region celebrated for its vivid displays of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). This architectural design aims to cohesively blend living spaces with the natural wonder of the night sky, prioritizing functionality and user experience alongside aesthetic considerations. The intent is to provide guests with a serene environment that fosters connection to and appreciation for the grandeur of the celestial phenomena.

### Structural and Spatial Strategy
The guest house features a distinctive curved roof that not only captures and reflects the vibrant colors of the auroras but also varies its profile according to the time of day. This form has been designed to adapt to changing celestial conditions and optimize viewing experiences for guests. The incorporation of large glass panels facilitates unobstructed views, making the auroras a central aspect of the interior layout. Moreover, the interior spaces are configured to be flexible, allowing for adaptable accommodations that cater to diverse guest needs and enhance social interaction.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A careful selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to both aesthetic and functional quality. The roof is constructed from mirror-finish stainless steel, ensuring durability in the harsh climate while reflecting the surrounding environment. The facade combines wooden elements and stone treatments that resonate with the local landscape. Interior spaces feature textured walls and polished surfaces, which subtly enhance the ambient light and contribute to the overall spatial experience. Sustainability is a key focus, achieved through energy-efficient design strategies and thoughtful material use, minimizing the visual footprint of the structure within its natural setting.

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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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