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Triangular Guest Rooms Embracing Natural Ventilation with Aluminum Cladding in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Natalia Wilczak-kucińska, Marek Kuciński, Małgorzata Wiśniewska
Triangular Guest Rooms Embracing Natural Ventilation with Aluminum Cladding in Icelandic Landscape
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Composed of insulated triangular units with aluminum cladding that integrate seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, these guest rooms provide a unique vantage point for experiencing the northern lights while ensuring comfort and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Insulated triangular units enhance both energy efficiency and architectural form.
02
Aluminum cladding provides durability while reflecting the surrounding landscape.
03
Each room is prefabricated off-site to minimize environmental impact during construction.
04
The bent A-frame design facilitates optimal ventilation and snow runoff.
05
Large glass windows frame views specifically for northern lights observation.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Iceland Northern Lights Rooms

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland’s striking landscape, the Iceland Northern Lights Rooms project is designed to enhance opportunities for observing the northern lights through a series of movable, detached guest bedrooms. The layout integrates the structures into the natural environment, enabling an immersive experience that balances comfort with functionality, while being mindful of the surrounding ecosystem.

### Spatial Strategy and Site Configuration
The site plan features a well-considered arrangement of six guest room units on sloping terrain adjacent to a body of water. The triangular forms of the buildings echo the geometric patterns in nature and provide visual interest. The configurations, comprising both single and double rooms, are strategically placed to optimize views of the auroras while ensuring privacy and minimizing visual impact from one unit to another.

Each unit is oriented to facilitate unobstructed views of the night sky, allowing guests to observe the natural phenomenon from their beds. The site layout is delineated by a carefully defined boundary, ensuring minimal disruption to the local habitat and leveraging the natural topography.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The architectural design draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic forms, integrating modern elements that are suited to the local climate. The use of modular construction enables prefabricated units to be efficiently assembled on-site. Key features include:

- **Roof Structure**: Designed with an apex for natural ventilation, enhancing thermal comfort in varying weather conditions.
- **Cladding Materials**: A combination of high-performance insulating materials and reflective metals (aluminum and steel) offers durability against the harsh climate while contributing to the overall aesthetic coherence with the environment.

Internally, the minimalist design prioritizes function, with spaces thoughtfully organized for optimal use. Features include strategically placed living areas and efficient bathroom facilities that maximize usability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

### Technological Innovations and User Engagement
This project incorporates advanced design principles that promote energy efficiency and adaptability. The integration of insulation techniques with solar design ensures reduced energy consumption. The modular nature of the units allows for flexibility in relocation as conditions dictate, enhancing their resilience against the unpredictable Icelandic weather.

The architectural form allows for unobtrusive engagement with nature, with expansive glass walls that frame breathtaking views of the aurora borealis. This design approach not only amplifies the visual connection to the landscape but also fosters a dynamic interplay between indoor lighting and the outside environment, enriching the overall guest experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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