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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.

The architectural project “Into the Light” is designed to enhance the experience of viewing the Northern Lights while ensuring comfort and functionality for its users. Nestled within a region that experiences these natural phenomena, the project integrates guest accommodations and communal spaces, emphasizing a close connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

The design consists of two main components: the Guest House and the Common Area. The Guest House offers private rooms, each strategically oriented to maximize unobstructed views of the sky. The Common Area serves as a social hub, promoting interaction among guests and supporting various activities.

Unique Materials and Construction Techniques

This project stands out due to its innovative material choices and construction methods. Polycarbonate sheets are utilized for the cladding of exterior walls, allowing for significant light diffusion and transparency, which enhances the intimate relationship between the occupants and the outdoor environment. This choice of material not only contributes to the visual appeal but also provides insulation critical for maintaining internal temperatures.

Wood panels are employed throughout the project, addressing both structural needs and aesthetic preferences. The use of wood helps to create an inviting atmosphere and contributes to the overall sustainability of the design. The incorporation of insulating glass in windows allows for energy efficiency while ensuring that views remain unobstructed.

Structural integrity is achieved through the use of steel frames, optimized in form and material to ensure durability without compromising aesthetic qualities. Additionally, stone wool insulation is integrated within the wall systems to enhance thermal performance, making the building suitable for various seasonal conditions.

Focus on Sustainability and User Experience

The overarching aim of the project is to establish a sustainable habitat that is as functional as it is experiential. A water reuse system utilizing pipes and tanks has been integrated, minimizing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.

Attention to user experience is evident in the spatial planning. Each guest room is designed with the dual purpose of providing privacy and granting access to panoramic views of the auroras. In the Common Area, the open floor plan facilitates communal activities, encouraging dialogue and interaction among guests. Additionally, features such as a sauna are incorporated into the design, offering a broad range of relaxation options that complement the natural surroundings.

This project effectively melds architecture with environmental considerations, showcasing a thoughtful approach to both design and function. For those interested in a deeper exploration of architectural plans, sections, and overall architectural designs of “Into the Light,” further details are available for review. Understanding the architectural ideas inherent in this project can provide valuable insights into contemporary architectural practices focused on sustainability and user-oriented design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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