Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Reflective Surfaces and Larchwood Integration in a Visitor Center Emphasizing Natural Light and Community Engagement

Author:
Míriam Gálvez haro
Reflective Surfaces and Larchwood Integration in a Visitor Center Emphasizing Natural Light and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

With its use of larchwood and reflective surfaces that merge with the landscape, the visitor center provides an immersive experience designed to connect guests with the stunning natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced larchwood for enhanced thermal performance and aesthetic warmth.
02
Features extensive reflective surfaces that enhance natural light and connect indoor spaces with the landscape.
03
Incorporates pathways designed to lead visitors from the building directly to scenic viewpoints of the Northern Lights.
04
Constructed with a bent A-frame design that minimizes visual impact on the natural terrain.
05
Includes flexible communal spaces that adapt to various visitor activities and gatherings.
The Northern Lights Experience Center is an architectural project designed to provide an immersive environment that intertwines human activity with the surrounding landscape. Located in a picturesque geographic setting, this facility serves as a hub for visitors seeking to engage with the natural phenomena of the Northern Lights and the unique attributes of the local terrain. The center encompasses a variety of spaces including communal areas, guest accommodations, and observation points, all of which foster connectivity with the environment and each other.

The building’s design manifests a clear focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Its layout allows for natural light penetration, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing the overall experience of the space during both day and night. This project seeks to create an experience that is both enjoyable and educational, promoting awareness of environmental conservation through its very structure and operations.

Architectural Integration with Natural Elements

A distinctive feature of this project is its seamless integration with the landscape. The architecture incorporates natural materials such as larchwood, concrete, and reinforced glass, ensuring that the building harmonizes with its surroundings. The use of local materials not only reduces the environmental impact of transportation but also aligns the center with regional architectural characteristics.

The design includes specific pathways that lead visitors from the built environment to outdoor areas, encouraging exploration and interaction with nature. These elements symbolize the journey from the solidity of the earth to the ethereal qualities of the sky, reinforcing the thematic focus on connectivity and experience.

User-Centric Functional Spaces

The interior organization of the Northern Lights Experience Center prioritizes flexibility and comfort. Spaces are tailored for various activities, including relaxation zones, educational exhibits, and areas for social interaction. The public areas are designed with open floor plans that facilitate movement while accommodating gatherings of different sizes.

Guest accommodations feature an array of room types, each offering views that connect guests directly with the environment. This thoughtful arrangement reflects a commitment to visitor experience, highlighting the importance of nature as a backdrop to all activities within the center.

The strategic placement of observation decks and reflective surfaces enhances the functionality of the structure. These spaces provide vantage points for viewing the Northern Lights, creating an intimate relationship between the architecture and the celestial events.

For a more profound understanding of the architectural concepts and technical details of the Northern Lights Experience Center, exploring its architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs can provide insights into the innovative approaches taken in this project. The interplay between design, function, and the natural landscape exemplifies a comprehensive architectural vision worthy of examination.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
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 16,979 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