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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
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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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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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