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Weathering Steel Cabins Offering Panoramic Views in a Ski Resort Setting

Author:
Adrián Dendis
Weathering Steel Cabins Offering Panoramic Views in a Ski Resort Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathering steel and expansive glass facades, the cabins integrate seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape while providing optimal views for winter sports enthusiasts and aurora watchers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathering steel, providing durability while blending into the landscape.
02
Staggered cabin layout maximizes views of the Northern Lights and surrounding mountains.
03
Large glazed facades enhance natural light and connect interior spaces to nature.
04
Sustainable materials, including mineral wool insulation, ensure thermal efficiency.
05
Integrated interactive hub offers ski services and amenities, fostering community engagement.

### Overview

Norðurljós Snjóhús, or "Point of the Northern Lights," is an architectural design conceived for a ski resort in Iceland. The project aims to enhance the visitor experience by leveraging the distinctive Arctic landscape to provide both recreational opportunities, such as skiing and hiking, and authentic perspectives of the Northern Lights. A fundamental aspect of the design is its integration with the natural surroundings, creating a functional space that serves as both a ski lodge and an observation point for aurora viewing.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The layout incorporates staggered cabin arrangements, which promote privacy while maximizing views of the surrounding terrain. Large glazed areas in the cabins facilitate unobstructed sightlines to the auroras and skiing slopes, inviting occupants to fully engage with the unique environment. The ground floor is designed to accommodate essential visitor facilities, including storage, changing rooms, and an interactive information hub, while the first floor serves as a communal area, equipped with panoramic windows to enjoy the vistas.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices reflect both aesthetic considerations and performance requirements suited to the harsh weather conditions typical of the region. Concrete forms the foundation to ensure stability under significant snow load, while plywood is utilized for the lightweight structural framework. Corten steel cladding enhances durability and harmonizes with the landscape's earthy tones, and mineral wool insulation is integrated for thermal efficiency. Wooden slats add visual warmth and facilitate a connection to the natural context, further reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and local material traditions.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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