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Triangular Plywood Retreat with Panoramic Views in the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Natalia Wilczak-kucińska, Marek Kuciński, Małgorzata Wiśniewska
Triangular Plywood Retreat with Panoramic Views in the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled among Iceland's stunning landscapes, the triangular plywood structures provide a seamless blend of modern design and natural beauty, creating intimate guest accommodations tailored for breathtaking views of the Northern Lights.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of triangular plywood structures enhances structural stability while providing a unique aesthetic inspired by Iceland's natural landscape.
02
Large glass panels are strategically positioned to maximize light and offer panoramic views of the Northern Lights from within each guest room.
03
The modular design allows for flexibility in room configurations, catering to diverse guest needs and preferences.
04
A bent A-frame design facilitates efficient snow shedding during harsh winter conditions, ensuring year-round usability.
05
Sustainably sourced materials promote eco-friendliness, with insulated walls to maintain comfortable temperatures in varying climates.
The architectural design project known as the Iceland Northern Lights Rooms represents a thoughtful approach to hospitality that prioritizes a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. This project harnesses the unique opportunities that Iceland's natural beauty provides, particularly the spectacular phenomenon of the Northern Lights, thereby creating a lodging experience that is both immersive and engaging. The primary function of the design is to offer guests comfortable accommodations that are specifically oriented to maximize their exposure to the stunning visuals of the night sky while maintaining a strong connection with the environment.

At the heart of the project is a series of movable, detached guest rooms designed to reflect the geometries found in Iceland’s rugged topography. The architectural design employs a modular approach, allowing for flexible arrangements in response to the site’s unique characteristics. Each room is carefully positioned to offer guests unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, effectively turning the natural spectacle into an integral part of the guest experience. This would not only enhance the aesthetic value of the architecture but also encourage a deeper appreciation for the surroundings.

The physical structure of the project incorporates a thoughtful choice of materials that contribute to both the functionality and sustainability of the design. Plywood is utilized for the interior walls, imparting warmth and a natural feel that complements the Icelandic landscape. Large glass panels form the exterior, ensuring a panoramic view without compromising privacy. This use of glass promotes natural lighting and creates a seamless transition between inside and outside. Structural integrity is provided through steel components, while insulation materials enhance thermal comfort, essential for addressing the climate conditions prevalent in Iceland.

The overall layout includes single and double occupancy options, thereby catering to a range of visitors, from solo travelers seeking tranquility to couples desiring romantic getaways. Each room is designed to be self-contained, featuring essential amenities such as a kitchenette, shower, and sleeping quarters, ensuring that guests have the flexibility to enjoy their stay without requiring extensive services. The design emphasizes the connection between the occupants and the surrounding environment, allowing guests to feel at home amidst the vast beauty of nature.

One of the unique design approaches of this project lies in its modularity. The ability to relocate the guest units facilitates a dynamic relationship with the landscape, enabling the architecture to adapt to seasonal changes and the evolving natural scenery. This adaptability is further reinforced by the triangular form of the structures, which not only pays homage to Iceland’s mountainous terrain but also enables efficient snow shedding during winter months.

Moreover, the project strategically minimizes light pollution, aiding in the enhancement of stargazing experiences right from within the rooms. This intentional planning reflects a deep respect for the natural environment and acknowledges the significance of preserving it for future generations. By creating structures that harmonize with and elevate the local context, the project bears witness to the potential of architectural design to influence human experience positively.

As visitors engage with the Iceland Northern Lights Rooms, they are immersed in an environment that recognizes the interplay between architecture and nature. This project serves as a model for modern hospitality design, showcasing how thoughtful architectural choices can foster a profound connection to the landscape. For those interested in exploring the full range of architectural plans, sections, and design ideas associated with this project, a closer examination of the detailed presentations will provide invaluable insights. Visitors are encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural narrative of this undertaking to better appreciate the intricate relationship between the built environment and its natural counterpart.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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