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Rotating Rooms and Charred Shingles Enhance Viewing Experience in Icelandic Habitat

Authors:
Marcin Janulewicz, Agata Ślusarek, Patryk Jaskulski
Rotating Rooms and Charred Shingles Enhance Viewing Experience in Icelandic Habitat

Project in-detail

Circular movable rooms constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and clad in charred wooden shingles create an adaptable environment for observing the Northern Lights in a distinctive Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular movable rooms allow flexible positioning for optimal views of the Northern Lights.
02
Exterior cladding features charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
04
The bent A-frame design minimizes visual impact on the surrounding landscape.
05
Sky flare galleries create unique vantage points for immersive natural experiences.

The project titled "Northern Lights" is an architectural design situated within the unique landscape of Iceland. Focused on creating an immersive environment for observing the Aurora Borealis, this architecture serves as both a functional space and a meditative experience in nature. The structure is designed with three elongated forms, inviting engagement with the surrounding terrain and emphasizing the connection between architecture and the natural world. This project plays a crucial role in enhancing outdoor interactions while providing shelter and comfort during extreme weather conditions.

Unique Design Approaches

This project exhibits several distinctive design elements that differentiate it from typical architectural endeavors. The incorporation of circular movable rooms is a significant innovation, allowing users to rotate these spaces for optimal viewing angles of the night sky. This flexibility offers an evolving experience while promoting engagement with the natural phenomena prevalent in the area. Furthermore, the design includes "sky flare galleries," strategically positioned to maximize visual access to the Northern Lights, providing a unique interaction between users and the environment.

The form of the building integrates negative and positive spaces, encouraging exploration and a natural flow through the different areas. This well-considered layout enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The extensive use of curved and insulated glass allows for unobstructed views, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior, thus inviting nature inside the structure.

Sustainable Material Use and Structural Considerations

In terms of materials, the project employs a selection that respects local contexts and traditional practices. Silicon-based insulated glass and curved glass enhance visibility while ensuring energy efficiency. The use of aluminum frames provides structural stability for the movable components, while wooden structures with green roofs tie the design to Icelandic architectural heritage. The integration of heating foil addresses livability concerns during harsh climate conditions, demonstrating a commitment to user comfort.

This architectural endeavor not only facilitates a space for observation but also embodies a broader narrative about humanity’s connection with nature. The design captures the essence of Iceland's environment, merging modern needs with traditional concepts and spatial experiences. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented to gain a deeper understanding of its thoughtful composition and innovative solutions.

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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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