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Rotating Guest Units Crafted from Translucent Materials for Enhanced Aurora Viewing

Authors:
Jing Geng, Youlin Cao, Yajie Zou, Wenlei Lv
Rotating Guest Units Crafted from Translucent Materials for Enhanced Aurora Viewing

Project in-detail

Rotating, translucent guest units constructed from sustainable materials provide panoramic views of the Northern Lights, delivering a highly immersive and interactive lodging experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating guest units provide 360-degree views of the night sky.
02
Sustainable cross-laminated timber panels form the building's structure.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and aesthetics.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views.
05
Integrated LED lighting simulates the Aurora Borealis indoors.

**Location and Intent**

Set in a landscape known for its breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis, this hotel is designed to facilitate an immersive experience that connects guests with the natural environment. The intent is to create a space that harmonizes with its surroundings while meeting the operational demands of a hospitality facility. The architecture emphasizes fluidity and innovation, catering to the unique challenges posed by the extreme climatic conditions of the region.

**Spatial Organization**

The hotel’s layout features a series of guest units organized around a central rotating hub, known as the "Rotation Guest Architecture." This arrangement promotes community interaction while ensuring guests have private, personal spaces that enhance their experience of the Aurora. Each unit is equipped with transparent ceilings and advanced technology, allowing for unobstructed views of the night sky. The dynamic design incorporates flexible use features such as rotational capabilities, enabling 360-degree perspectives of the celestial displays. Public areas are strategically positioned to foster social engagement while maximizing visibility of the natural phenomenon.

**Materiality and Technology**

A carefully selected palette of materials supports the architectural vision while promoting sustainability. Key materials include extensive use of glass to provide panoramic vistas, treated wood for warmth and texture, and acrylic panels that enhance transparency without compromising structural integrity. Innovations in insulation ensure comfort in varying external conditions. The design integrates smart technologies for heating and lighting management, optimizing energy use while enhancing the guest experience. LED lighting systems recreate the ambient glow of the Aurora within the interior, reinforcing the project's thematic focus on the natural spectacle.

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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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