Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sod Roofs and Glass Facades Enhance Auroral Experiences in Icelandic Lodging

Authors:
Alyona Bondarenko, Kostiantyn Bondarenko, Vesta Romanova, Vesta Romanova, Olena Kashpur
Sod Roofs and Glass Facades Enhance Auroral Experiences in Icelandic Lodging

Project in-detail

Nestled beneath a sod roof, transparent glass facades offer unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, providing a seamless blend of comfort and environmental sensitivity in a contemporary lodging experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sod roofs blend the structure into the surrounding landscape while enhancing insulation.
02
Large glass facades are designed for optimal aurora visibility from within the units.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer weather protection and a low-maintenance exterior.
05
Modular design allows for flexible configurations to adapt to varying guest needs.

**Overview**

The Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project, known as "Sleipnir," is situated in the scenic landscapes of Iceland, with the intent of integrating the built environment into its natural context while facilitating immersive interactions with the Northern Lights. The design prioritizes sustainability and respects local architectural traditions, employing contemporary materials and construction techniques to create a cohesive living experience that reflects the geography and culture of the region.

**Spatial Configuration and User Engagement**

The spatial arrangement of the complex optimizes orientation for solar gain and enhances access to expansive views of the surrounding lake and auroras. Each unit is thoughtfully positioned to ensure privacy while fostering a communal atmosphere among guests. Transparent glass façades are a significant feature, allowing occupants to experience the Northern Lights from within, turning passive observation into active engagement with the natural phenomena outside.

**Material Strategy and Sustainable Practices**

In terms of material selection, the project emphasizes a combination of glass, stone, wood, and grass to create a harmonious yet functional aesthetic. Glass serves to maximize visibility, while stone provides structural stability and resilience against the elements. Traditional Icelandic materials such as wood and grass are incorporated for their warmth and thermal properties, contributing to the buildings' overall sustainability. The roofs are designed with grass to enhance insulation and blend the structures with the landscape.

Sustainable systems are integrated throughout, including geothermal energy for heating and water supply, robust rainwater harvesting, and innovative waste management solutions. The use of flexible architectural components allows the design to adapt to the changing functional needs associated with Iceland's extreme weather and seasonal variations. This strategic approach to materiality and sustainability underscores a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint of the development.

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