Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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

Project in-detail

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.

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