Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Thermoroot and Polisolar Glass Units Designed for Northern Lights Observation

Author:
Pablo Forero
Thermoroot and Polisolar Glass Units Designed for Northern Lights Observation

Project in-detail

Designed with Thermoroot insulation and Polisolar glass, the units optimize thermal performance and energy efficiency while providing unobstructed views of the Northern Lights for a unique overnight experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Units are equipped with Polisolar glass for enhanced energy capture.
02
Design includes Thermoroot insulation for improved thermal comfort.
03
Rainwater collection system supports self-sufficiency for occupants.
04
Orientation maximizes views of the Northern Lights from the interiors.
05
Flexible, transportable units allow for easy relocation as needed.

The design is located in Iceland and aims to create a sustainable environment that enhances the experience of viewing the Northern Lights. The concept is based on minimalism, focusing on how units interact with the natural landscape while providing comfort and visual accessibility for occupants. These lightweight, transportable structures are built to perform well in a challenging climate, managing both energy use and indoor temperatures effectively.

Design Concept

The approach emphasizes simplicity, allowing for easy relocation and adaptation to different settings. The roofs slope downwards to gather rainwater and reduce snow accumulation, which meets practical needs while also serving sustainability goals. The layout is intentionally oriented to offer clear views of the Northern Lights, establishing a connection between the inhabitants and this extraordinary natural display.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. Integrated systems collect rainwater for both bathing and drinking, equipped with a filtration unit to ensure safe use. The project also includes a septic tank for wastewater management, effectively minimizing environmental impacts and supporting responsible resource use.

Material Considerations

Materials such as Thermoroot are featured in the design to improve thermal and acoustic insulation. Another important component is the use of Polisolar glass technology, which helps capture energy and manage natural light levels inside the units. This type of glass allows for interaction with daylight, enabling occupants to adjust the indoor atmosphere as needed.

Airflow and Comfort

The design promotes cross-ventilation, which aids airflow and ensures comfort in a range of weather conditions. By limiting dependence on external energy sources, the architecture maximizes thermal retention through well-planned wall and floor layers. This approach results in a space that adapts to the local climate and is comfortable for its users.

The final design takes shape as functional units that blend with the Icelandic terrain, providing both privacy and a connection to the expansive surroundings.

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