Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Thermoacoustic Design Utilizing Eco-Friendly Materials for Communal Living in a Nordic Landscape

Authors:
Rafael Domínguez alarcón, Mauricio Castaño Estrado
Thermoacoustic Design Utilizing Eco-Friendly Materials for Communal Living in a Nordic Landscape

Project in-detail

Incorporating thermoacoustic materials and circular layouts, the design fosters community interaction while ensuring sustainable living in a remote Nordic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates thermoacoustic roofing for enhanced energy efficiency and sound insulation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for aesthetic appeal and durability against weathering.
03
Features a circular layout to promote communal engagement and interaction among guests.
04
Employs large window glass for unobstructed views of the aurora borealis.
05
Integrates solar panels within the design to harness renewable energy on-site.

### Project Overview

Located in Iceland, the Revontulet project is designed to provide an immersive guest experience within the country's unique natural landscape. The intent of the design is to enable visitors to enjoy the aurora borealis while ensuring comfort and practicality. The layout accommodates a variety of zones, including private accommodations, service areas, guest facilities, and shared spaces, all designed to integrate with the surroundings.

### Spatial Organization

The layout promotes accessibility and mobility, centered around a key service building from which various residential units radiate. The private accommodations are arranged in a circular configuration, fostering a sense of community while also preserving individual privacy. Pathways connect these living spaces to the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to interact with natural features such as lakes and green areas.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality in the project emphasizes sustainability and local material availability. Key components include a thermoacoustic roof for enhanced thermal insulation, large window panes for optimal views of the Northern Lights, and solar panels that promote renewable energy use. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system supports responsible water management. Structures are supported by durable tubular metal profiles, while custom furniture complements the overall design.

This approach not only facilitates comfort and aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the project's environmental responsibility, aligning with contemporary sustainable architectural practices.

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