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Translucent Polycarbonate Facades and Timber Integration Enhance Views of the Northern Lights

Authors:
Antonio Stefanelli, Grazia Pota, Agnese Pellino, Gaetano Pignatiello
Translucent Polycarbonate Facades and Timber Integration Enhance Views of the Northern Lights

Project in-detail

Translucent polycarbonate facades and warm timber elements create an inviting atmosphere for guests to immerse themselves in the spectacular views of the Northern Lights within a thoughtfully designed communal space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate facades provide natural light and unobstructed sky views.
02
Warm timber elements enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity while minimizing material use.
04
Integrated water reuse systems promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
05
Strategically oriented guest rooms maximize immersive experiences of the Northern Lights.

### Overview and Intent
The project, located in a region renowned for the visibility of the Northern Lights, seeks to create a space that bridges human habitation with the experiences offered by this natural phenomenon. The design is organized into two primary areas: the Guest House, which provides private accommodations, and the Common Area, designated for shared activities and social interaction among visitors.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The layout emphasizes privacy for guests while promoting a sense of community through interconnected pathways. Each guest room is oriented to maximize views of the Northern Lights, ensuring unobstructed sightlines from the sleeping areas. The Common Area features an open plan that facilitates social engagement, incorporating dining and living spaces as well as a sauna, thereby enriching the overall visitor experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The design employs a carefully curated palette of materials, chosen for both their aesthetic qualities and their contributions to sustainability. Polycarbonate sheets are utilized for wall cladding, providing light diffusion and thermal insulation, while wood panels are extensively used to enhance warmth and create a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape. High-performance insulating glass ensures energy efficiency, and steel frames contribute robust structural support. The integration of a water reuse system reflects a commitment to minimizing resource consumption, further underscoring the project's environmental considerations.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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