opposite office designs mobile houses for tourists to observe northern lights in iceland

iceland, a land of fire and ice, has a vast, wild landscape with some of the most unique and incredible natural views in the world. munich-based opposite office proposes a new concept for temporary mobile guesthouses for tourists on myvatn lake, from where the breathtaking view into the landscape and the northern lights spectacle can be observed.

200 meters from the myvatn lake shore is a protected area, where permanent building constructions are forbidden. opposite office’s houses have no foundations, which legally makes them temporary structures. visitors can move their rented cabin and put it in nature where they want and perceive the landscape from different perspectives.

the layout of the cabin itself is relatively easy but comfortable and flexible: different spacial situations can be arranged by build-in movable furniture. a ladder leads upwards to the sleeping area which is enclosed by a big skylight opening through which the guests can enjoy watching the aurora borealis, directly from their beds.

the cabins are completely self-sufficient so that they can be moved all over the country. the tilted roof guarantees a maximum view of the northern light and catches rainwater, which is stored in a big water tank in the small bathroom. energy is provided by photovoltaics on the roof. the heating is provided by a wood stove also heating warm water and the small sauna, which can be separated with sliding doors into a very small unit.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom