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Transportable Cabins Featuring Glass Facades and Sustainable Steel for Nature Immersion

Author:
Sheung Shun Ng
Transportable Cabins Featuring Glass Facades and Sustainable Steel for Nature Immersion
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Modular cabins constructed with glass facades and local materials offer an immersive experience for guests seeking to view the northern lights in the heart of Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular cabins can be repositioned to offer varied aurora viewing experiences.
02
The design incorporates large glass facades for unobstructed landscape views.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and blend with the natural environment.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Integrated communal spaces facilitate social interaction among guests.

### Overview
Located in Iceland, this project capitalizes on the region's renowned natural landscapes and the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. The design intends to harmonize with the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from the dynamic elements of Icelandic topography and weather. The concept, titled "Momentum," reflects the interplay of natural forces and the immersive experiences of guests as they interact with both indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Spatial Dynamics
The architectural composition features three key elements: a central Guest Hub designed for social interaction and dining; a Host Home for staff quarters; and innovative Mobile Cabins, which enable guests to experience the northern lights from various vantage points. The pathways within the site are carefully sculpted to encourage exploration, leading guests through distinct natural perspectives and related activities. Additionally, outdoor spaces are incorporated for intimate gatherings, emphasizing the connection between social interaction and the natural setting.

### Material Selection
A diverse palette of materials is utilized to enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. Glass is prominently featured in the Guest Hub and cabins, allowing for unobstructed views of the auroras. Steel provides structural integrity, particularly for the mobile cabins, while concrete serves as a foundation material that blends with the local landscape. Wood is chosen for interior finishes, contributing warmth and comfort to the guests' experience. The project's materiality reflects a commitment to sustainability, aligning with the region's renewable energy resources.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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