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Repurposed Concrete Pods with Cork Insulation for Sustainable Glamping Experience

Authors:
Delson Or Sherman Architects Pc, Jeff Sherman, Perla Delson
Repurposed Concrete Pods with Cork Insulation for Sustainable Glamping Experience
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Constructed from repurposed concrete pipes and lined with cork insulation, the design offers a minimalist yet comfortable environment for guests to experience the Northern Lights while promoting sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using repurposed concrete pipes, promoting sustainability.
02
Cork lining provides effective thermal insulation and acoustic dampening.
03
Pods are strategically oriented for optimal views of the Northern Lights.
04
Wooden pathways minimize ecological disruption in the natural landscape.
05
Central communal space encourages guest interaction while maintaining privacy.

### Overview
Camp Norðurljós is situated in a tranquil natural setting and is designed to provide an immersive experience for viewing the Northern Lights. Its intent is to foster a genuine connection with nature while prioritizing environmental responsibility. The camp features ten individual pods constructed from repurposed concrete pipes, emphasizing sustainability alongside innovative design.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection at Camp Norðurljós focuses on warmth, durability, and minimal environmental impact. Key components include repurposed concrete pipes for pod construction, which offer both thermal efficiency and a rugged aesthetic. Inside the pods, cork lining serves as insulation and acoustic dampening, enhancing guest comfort. Low-iron glass panels provide expansive views of the night sky, ensuring optimal visibility of the Northern Lights. The exterior is complemented by corrugated metal, while wooden pathways minimize ecological disruption, effectively integrating the camp into its surroundings. Electric radiant heating provides warmth without compromising sustainable principles.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The layout of Camp Norðurljós is strategically designed to enhance guest interaction with the natural environment. Each pod is oriented to maximize views of celestial phenomena, with angled designs and extensive glass walls ensuring an unobstructed panorama of the sky. The compact interior spaces are efficiently furnished with lightweight materials to facilitate movement. A communal host house serves as a central amenity hub, offering an opportunity for social interaction while maintaining the privacy of individual pods. Natural landscaping preserves existing flora, effectively integrating the camp into its ecological context while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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