Project Basic Information:
Project Name: Tromsø Aurora Viewing Mobile Eco-Cabin in Norway
Location: Aurora viewing site outside Tromsø, Norway
Application Scenario: Premium unique homestay (aurora viewing, eco-tourism)
Core Product: Customized expandable containers
Project Scale: 20 independent guest units, dispersed to minimize environmental impact.
Main Challenges:
Extreme Cold Climate and Strict Environmental Requirements:
Nordic winters are long and severely cold, demanding exceptional thermal insulation, airtightness, and snow load resistance. Simultaneously, local environmental regulations require minimal impact on the natural surroundings.
Unique Experience and Breathtaking Views:
Customers paying a premium expect unobstructed aurora viewing and an immersive natural experience.
Mobility and Land Policies:
Temporary structure policies in many Nordic regions are relatively flexible but require buildings to be removable without permanently damaging the ground surface.
Energy Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability:
Remote locations make connecting to municipal facilities costly, and the project must align with a sustainable brand image.
Solutions:
“Expandable Container” for Spatial and Visual Impact:
Customized expandable containers were used. During transportation, they comply with standard container size limits. On-site, hydraulic or electric mechanisms enable horizontal expansion, instantly creating larger usable space and expansive glass curtain walls for panoramic views.
Ultimate Insulation and Energy Design:
The units feature ultra-thick insulation (≥150mm Rockwool) and high-performance multi-layer windows (even triple-glazed) to ensure warmth. Roof-integrated steeply angled photovoltaic panels serve dual purposes: power generation and snow shedding. An efficient small heat recovery ventilation system maintains fresh air while minimizing heat loss.
Minimal Ecological Intervention and Mobility:
Units use point foundations or helical piles, eliminating the need for extensive concrete bases, minimizing ground soil disturbance, and allowing complete future removal and site restoration.
The exterior adopts dark or environment-blending colors to discreetly integrate into the natural landscape.
Immersive Natural Connection:
Expanded walls feature full-height high-strength glass, with some units incorporating glass roof sections for stargazing and aurora viewing.
The interior design is minimalist yet cozy, using local materials like natural wood and wool textiles to create a warm, comfortable Arctic cabin atmosphere.
Product Details：
Framework: High-strength low-temperature-resistant steel ensures structural stability and reliability during multiple expansions and transports.
Wall Panel System: Exterior layer (weather-resistant wood or dark metal panels) + ultra-thick insulation layer (rock wool) + interior layer (wooden panels).
Doors and Windows: Thermally broken aluminum alloy windows with triple Low-E coated argon-filled glass, featuring extremely low thermal conductivity (K-value).
Energy System: Integrated photovoltaic system, high-efficiency storage batteries, air-source heat pump, or small diesel boiler (backup).
Interior: Underfloor heating, smart temperature control, high-end bathroom fixtures, and designer furniture.