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Rotating Guest Units Featuring Sustainable Timber and Dynamic Glass Facades for Enhanced Northern Sky Views

Authors:
Jing Geng, Youlin Cao, Yajie Zou, Wenlei Lv
Rotating Guest Units Featuring Sustainable Timber and Dynamic Glass Facades for Enhanced Northern Sky Views

Project in-detail

With rotating guest units that optimize panoramic views and a design rooted in sustainable materials like timber and glass, the hotel offers a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating guest units provide 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The incorporation of charred wooden shingles offers both durability and aesthetic warmth.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and sightlines to the night sky.
05
Community spaces are designed to promote social interaction while embracing the natural environment.
The Chasing Hotel represents a thoughtful exploration of architecture that harmonizes human experience with the natural world. Located in a region that offers stunning views of the Aurora Borealis, the project is designed to immerse guests in the spectacular beauty of this natural light display. It endeavors to redefine common notions of hospitality through a careful combination of innovative design and mindful engagement with its picturesque surroundings.

At its core, the project serves as a destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature. By reimagining the traditional hotel experience, the Chasing Hotel intensifies opportunities for guests to interact with the environment. Its distinct architectural form emphasizes panoramic views, enabling visitors to witness the enchanting northern lights from the comfort of their accommodations. This emphasis on the natural spectacle showcases the role of architecture not merely as shelter but as a facilitator of memorable experiences.

Key features of the project include a series of interconnected octagonal guest units, each designed to rotate, offering 360-degree views. This unique approach reflects a commitment to maximizing the vista opportunities available to each occupant, promoting a refreshing and personalized connection to the landscape. The modular design allows for flexibility in the arrangement of units while ensuring they blend seamlessly into the topography, maintaining the integrity of the scenic views.

The communal spaces within the Chasing Hotel play a vital role in its overall functionality. The main hall is conceived as a gathering place where guests can engage with one another, fostering a sense of community while simultaneously appreciating the beauty of their surroundings. Designed with comfort in mind, this area utilizes natural materials, notably wood, to create an inviting atmosphere that complements the hotel’s natural environment. Large expanses of glass provide unobstructed views, encouraging interaction with the changing skies outside, whether it be under the bright daylight or the shimmering auroras.

Materiality stands as a hallmark of this project. The use of glass allows for abundant natural light, creating spacious interiors that feel connected to the great outdoors. In contrast, wooden finishes serve not only aesthetic purposes but also evoke a sense of warmth, drawing inspiration from traditional architectural practices. Furthermore, sustainability remains a key consideration, reflected through the project’s selection of materials and technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact.

The Chasing Hotel leverages LED technologies to enhance nighttime experiences. These systems are thoughtfully integrated within the architecture, enabling dynamic lighting conditions that mimic the natural light variations present in the environment. This attention to detail ensures that occupants can fully immerse themselves in the spectacular displays of nature both day and night.

Incorporating playful design motifs, the architecture draws inspiration from elements such as fidget spinners, adding a layer of whimsy to the overall form and structure. This design philosophy engages guests on a sensory level, inviting exploration and interaction. The architectural form becomes not only a functional space but also a catalyst for curiosity and wonder, encouraging occupants to observe and appreciate their surroundings in new ways.

Overall, the Chasing Hotel emerges as a thoughtful blend of architecture, nature, and experience, where the built environment serves to enhance the beauty of the landscape it inhabits. The project illustrates an innovative approach to the conventional hotel experience, inviting visitors to engage deeply with their environment. Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for detailed insights into architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas to fully appreciate the depth and nuance of this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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