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Sheep's Wool Insulation and Norway Spruce Cladding in a Cozy Residence with Natural Light

Author:
Franciszek Maj
Sheep's Wool Insulation and Norway Spruce Cladding in a Cozy Residence with Natural Light
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Using sheep's wool insulation and Norway Spruce cladding, the design maximizes natural light through expansive windows and an open courtyard, providing a comfortable residential retreat in the heart of Norway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with an open roof courtyard for natural light and ventilation.
02
Utilizes sheep's wool insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
03
Features large windows for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Constructed with Norway Spruce cladding to blend with the natural environment.
05
Incorporates bi-fold doors to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

The design located in Lyngen, Norway, embraces its natural surroundings while providing a comfortable residential space. Situated in a region known for the Midnight Sun during summer and the captivating Northern Lights, the home captures the essence of the landscape. Its design concept focuses on maximizing natural light and creating a strong bond between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that inhabitants can enjoy the environment throughout the day.

Materials and Sustainability

Materials play an important role in the overall concept. The home uses Norway Spruce for its exterior cladding, which helps it blend with the natural environment. Inside, sheep's wool insulation enhances energy efficiency, maintaining warmth during colder months. The structure relies on timber trusses and glulam studs for strength and stability. Waterproof membranes are also implemented to protect the building from the region's weather conditions, ensuring a long-lasting design.

Light and Spatial Relationships

Natural lighting is a central element in the design. Large windows are placed to invite plenty of sunlight into the living spaces, creating a warm atmosphere. Roman blinds are installed to give residents control over light levels, allowing them to adjust brightness as needed. The open roof courtyard is a key feature, providing an outdoor area that connects private rooms with communal living spaces. This layout encourages daylight to fill the interior, enriching everyday experiences.

Interior Organization

The arrangement of rooms is carefully considered for ease of use. The open-plan design links the living area with the kitchen and courtyard, fostering interaction among residents. In contrast, the areas designated for sleeping and bathing offer privacy and a retreat from social activities. This separation allows for both connection and quiet moments, balancing social life and personal space in everyday life.

The final design detail can be found in how the bi-fold doors connect the living area to the courtyard. This setup invites nature in, emphasizing a close relationship between indoor comfort and the outdoor environment, making the home a true reflection of its beautiful setting.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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