Set within a volcanic expanse in southern Iceland, a recent project by Sp(r)int Studio brings a nuanced response to the Stöng ruins, one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites. Excavated in 1939 and protected since 1957 by a modest shelter, the Viking-era longhouse in scenic Þjórsárdalur stands as a rare and remarkably complete remnant of early Icelandic domestic architecture. The restoration builds upon this legacy, extending the site’s function and form and remaining attentive to the surrounding terrain.

The new intervention introduces a spatial framework that protects the ruins without enclosing them. The studio preserves the original 1957 structure, cladding it in untreated larch that will weather naturally with the climate. A translucent roof of polycarbonate floats above the exposed ruins, diffusing light across the excavated stonework and dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior. The result is a structure that shelters without overpowering, prioritizing legibility and atmosphere over monumentality.

images © Claudio Parada Nunes

adapting to iceland’s volcanic Topography

The site geography of the Stöng ruins informs Sp(r)int Studio’s intervention. Rather than imposing a singular gesture, the architects design the structure to unfold across the valley floor, adapting to changes in elevation and framing natural contours. Carefully laid paths, a footbridge, and a new entry platform stitch together the disparate elements of the site, subtly choreographing the visitor’s experience while limiting physical intrusion on the landscape.

From the raised entrance, visitors are led onto a viewing platform that hovers above the longhouse remains. This shift in elevation positions the ruins in their full spatial context, granting clarity without encouraging contact. The intervention privileges alignment between visitor and view, and between architecture and terrain.

the Stöng ruins sit within a volcanic valley of southern Iceland

Light, Material, and Permeability

With its Stöng ruins shelter, Sp(r)int Studio’s design language remains sparse and deliberate. Larch cladding and polycarbonate are joined by concrete footings and steel connectors, each expressed with care and intention. The structure allows air to pass through and light to shift across the surfaces, sustaining the atmospheric conditions that have shaped the ruin for centuries. Glazed apertures and roof openings are positioned to capture views of specific artifacts and architectural traces, offering points of orientation and pause.

By emphasizing porosity and restraint, Sp(r)int Studio brings a sense of continuity between the original dwelling, the previous shelter, and the new construction. Nothing is obscured. Instead, the layers of intervention remain legible, forming a cumulative archive of preservation efforts across time.

a translucent polycarbonate roof hovers above the Viking-era longhouse remains

The renovation treats the 1957 shelter as an artifact worth conserving in its own right. Rather than replacing this earlier structure, Sp(r)int Studio extends its relevance by adapting it. In this way, the project foregrounds preservation as a living process which is neither finished nor frozen. Each design move seeks to extend the life of the site, resisting erasure in favor of architectural continuity.

This approach to heritage architecture emphasizes adaptability and engagement over interpretation. The architecture leaves room for temporal shifts and environmental variation, rather than imposing a fixed narrative. This way, the project becomes an open framework through which the past can be accessed without being finalized.

Sp(r)int Studio preserves the original 1957 shelter and re-clads it in untreated larch

elevated walkways and platforms guide visitors while protecting the excavation

interior spaces remain permeable to light and air, preserving atmospheric continuity

framed apertures direct views toward key archaeological details in the ruins

the shelter’s design by Sp(r)int Studio emphasizes restraint and continuity

project info:

name: Stöng Ruins

architect: Sp(r)int Studio

location: Iceland

area: 385 square meters

completion: 2024

photography: © Claudio Parada Nunes | @studiocapn

The post floating polycarbonate roof by sp(r)int studio protects iceland’s stöng ruins appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

In Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, design studio Plan Plan transforms a 167-square-meter corner site into Nin Hao, a Fujianese restaurant infused with cultural memory. Bathed in daylight from its five-meter, south- and east-facing curtain walls, the dining room is defined by its layered transparency and its capacity to evolve. Translucent Austrian curtains diffuse sunlight across warm cement tiles and glowing polycarbonate surfaces, creating a luminous interior. With a rotating curatorial framework and spatial elements designed for touch, play, and community, Nin Hao restaurant becomes a cultural platform that embraces shared belonging.

images courtesy of Plan Plan

nin hao merges Chinese motifs with an adaptable spatial grid

New York-based Plan Plan’s design harnesses the raw spatial potential of the corner site, characterized by its natural light, height, and openness, to generate a soft atmosphere. Daylight filters through the curtains and lands on a tall wall of polycarbonate panels, transforming that surface into a glowing lantern at dusk. Beneath this ambient environment, warm-hued cement tiles echo traditional Chinese gray bricks, appearing as floors, seats, and even leaning surfaces. Meanwhile, linear planters with succulent greens and a delicate ceiling grid suspend floating sculptures and lighting, bringing layers of visual interest at multiple heights. 

Rather than fixing the space to a single visual identity, Nin Hao is built around a flexible framework that encourages transformation. A bold 3.7-meter-long red communal table and a round green table—convertible into a Mahjong table—invite social encounters, storytelling, and play. One wall remains intentionally minimal to accommodate rotating art installations, while a grid system overhead allows sculptural and lighting compositions to shift seasonally. This open-ended design approach enables the restaurant to grow and adapt, drawing in new audiences and interpretations over time.

Two themed bathrooms are lined with custom mosaics depicting historic Chinese and American landscape paintings—Qiu Ying’s Spring Morning in the Han Palace and George Henry Boughton’s Hudson River Valley from Fort Putnam. One bathroom includes a two-way mirror that offers a discreet view into the dining space, adding a note of theatrical surprise and reflecting the restaurant’s playful take on visibility and privacy.

design studio Plan Plan transforms a 167-square-meter corner site into Nin Hao restaurant

a Fujianese restaurant infused with cultural memory

the dining room is defined by its layered transparency

sunlight travels across warm cement tiles and glowing polycarbonate surfaces

bathed in daylight from its five-meter, south- and east-facing curtain walls

Nin Hao becomes a platform that embraces shared belonging

two themed bathrooms are lined with custom mosaics

depicting historic Chinese and American landscape paintings

project info:

name: Nin Hao
architect: Plan Plan
location: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York

area: 167 square meters (1,800 square feet)

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: thomai tsimpou | designboom

The post translucent curtains drape over polycarbonate walls at nin hao restaurant in brooklyn appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

A+U LAB presents Paired Cubes, a temporary pavilion in Busan, South Korea, crafted from recycled polycarbonate panels. Standing 2.5m tall, the pavilion is built using 10mm thick panels that are assembled without any fittings or glue, ensuring complete recyclability. This innovative design allows for easy transport and assembly in various public spaces, enhancing these areas while offering an immersive experience for passersby. The structure comprises over 3,500 panels in opaque white, translucent orange, and clear, forming a composition of eight outer facades and two inner walls. The pavilion’s fragmented appearance, particularly when illuminated, evokes a sense of floating panels, attracting those who observe it from various angles. 

all images courtesy of A+U LAB

shadowplay highlights Paired Cubes’ layered surfaces in korea

The pavilion’s design by A+U LAB invites viewers to engage with its unique visual patterns and optical textures. Each facade explores concepts of symmetry and asymmetry, repetition and instance, as well as opacity and porosity. By day, the pavilion presents an intriguing shadowplay, drawing attention to its layered surfaces. At night, it transforms into a luminous box, with the clear panels creating an effect that reveals the interior spaces. The interplay of light and silhouette adds to the pavilion’s allure, prompting viewers to step inside and appreciate the unique environment. Inside, the pavilion accommodates up to six people, offering a communal space that encourages interaction and exploration. Paired Cubes revitalizes public spaces while fostering a dynamic engagement with architecture. The multidisciplinary studio creates a vibrant setting that heightens the sense of place, inviting the community to connect with the structure and its surroundings.

A+U LAB presents Paired Cubes, a temporary pavilion crafted from recycled polycarbonate panels

standing 2.5m tall, the pavilion is built using 10mm thick panels

ensuring complete recyclability, the panels are assembled without any fittings or glue

this innovative design allows for easy transport and assembly

Paired Cubes enhances public places while offering an immersive experience for passersby

over 3,500 panels in opaque white, translucent orange, and clear form the composition

the pavilion’s fragmented appearance evokes a sense of floating panels

A+U LAB invites viewers to engage with the unique visual patterns of the pavilion

project info:

name: Paired Cubes
architect: A+U LAB
lead designer: Lawrence Kim
project team: JongHyun Baek, Dona Dosymbyek, DaeUn Gam, JeongYun Hwang, MinJi Jeon, SungJun Kim, ByoungJun Kim, ChangMin Park, SungCheul Shin, JuHae Yu
location: Busan, South Korea
client: Pusan National University
area: 13 sqm

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: thomai tsimpou | designboom

The post over 3,500 recyclable polycarbonate panels assemble paired cubes pavilion in korea appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Nespresso AOM Café Pop-up Store Design by Studio 10 focuses on integrating traditional architecture, materials, and craftsmanship into a modern setting. Situated in Shenzhen‘s MixC complex, the pop-up stands as a cultural hub in the Dachong area. The design emphasizes harmony between modern lifestyles and traditional culture while also promoting environmental preservation. Inspired by Lingnan wooden architecture, the lightweight steel frame structure creates an airy and open space, ideal for the region’s climate. Enclosed by semi-transparent polycarbonate panels, the café transforms into a cozy sunroom during colder days. Passers-by are drawn to the subtle visibility of the interior, adorned with wooden furniture, artworks, and Lunar New Year decorations.

all images by ©Chao Zhang

Studio 10 applies biodegradable and recyclable materials

A horizontal window offers glimpses of café activities, turning into a dynamic display of life after dark. Sustainability is key for Studio 10, with biodegradable and recyclable materials used throughout the design. The base podium features environmentally friendly straw hollow bricks, while the modular interior furniture allows for easy reuse or potential recycling. Traditional architectural detailing, such as mortise and tenon structures, and decorative painting, adds to the Spring Festival atmosphere. Beyond serving as a café, the design team envisions the AOM Pavilion as a cultural hub, providing shelter and hosting activities that promote community engagement and cultural appreciation.

Nespresso AOM Café Pop-up Store by Studio 10 integrates traditional architecture and modern elements

located in Shenzhen’s MixC complex, the pop-up serves as a cultural hub in the Dachong area

the design harmonizes modern lifestyles with traditional culture, emphasizing environmental preservation

inspired by Lingnan wooden architecture, the lightweight steel frame creates an airy space

the base podium is paved with environmentally friendly straw hollow bricks

semi-transparent polycarbonate panels enclose the café, creating a cozy atmosphere on colder days

a horizontal window offers glimpses of café activities, creating a dynamic display after dark

passers-by are intrigued by the interior’s subtle visibility, featuring wooden furniture and Lunar New Year decorations

sustainability is prioritized, with biodegradable and recyclable materials used throughout

the AOM Pavilion serves as more than a café, fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation

traditional architectural detailing, like mortise and tenon structures, enhances the Spring Festival atmosphere

the design blends tradition and modernity, creating a unique space for relaxation and cultural exchange

modular interior furniture allows for easy reuse or potential recycling

project info:

name: Nespresso AOM Café Pop-up Store Design
architect: Studio 10 | @studio10design

interior design: Studio 10

principal-in-charge: Shi Zhou

design team: Chunhui Mo, Mengqi Zhang, Liuqing Liu, Jingqi Qiu, Ziqi Wang, Jinru Zhao, Jiaxiao Bao

contractor: Beijing Deno Mingtong Exhibition Service Co., Ltd

owner: Nespresso

client: JUANZONG CREATE

graphic design: JUANZONG CREATE

co-production: VVYY®️ Design Center

gross floor area: 60 sqm

location: MixC World, Nanshan Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

photography: Chao Zhang – ZC Studio | @zhangchao_sz

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: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post semi-transparent polycarbonate and wooden panels form nespresso pop-up café in shenzhen appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The atelier industrial, designed by Marcos Garbin, unfolds as a minimalist office space within an existing warehouse in San Rafael, Argentina. The office space is created along an existing wall, featuring a single desk strategically positioned facing the brick side with windows for improved ventilation. Meeting and reading tables are centrally placed, and the study space is defined by walls that do not extend to the ceiling, separating it from the studio area. The design prioritizes simplicity, economy, and ease of assembly, employing a closed system of laminated beams and columns with uniform size and proportion.

Distinctive features include a swing door that can be manually opened to alter the space’s direction and function, providing privacy during work hours by isolating it from industrial noise. The alveolar polycarbonate facade serves as a responsive surface, offering translucency while ensuring privacy. The industrial character of the surfaces is subtly softened by the diffuse conditions created by the polycarbonate panels.

all images by Luis Abba

intricate light configurations create a nuanced office space

The architectural adaptation is unobtrusive yet fundamental, emphasizing the space’s qualitative aspects. The system of thirteen columns and ten beams transforms the pavilion into a reflective element, interacting with its surroundings by transmitting and receiving light. This play of light contributes to the pavilion’s luminosity and creates a nuanced architectural environment. The design of atelier industrial embraces the context’s technical and intellectual materials, experimenting within established rules to achieve a balance of simplicity and intensity in the architectural space.

the interplay of light penetrating the pavilion creates nuanced and dynamic architectural environments

polycarbonate panels subtly soften the industrial character of surfaces, creating a diffuse ambiance

the pavilion transforms into an interactive element that transmits and receives light

the alveolar polycarbonate facade acts as a responsive surface, offering translucency

a manually operated swing door alters space direction and function, providing privacy from industrial noise

central meeting and reading tables create a focal point in the partially defined study space

simplicity and ease of assembly guide the design, utilizing a closed system of laminated beams and columns

the office layout places a single desk facing the brick side with windows for enhanced ventilation

the alveolar polycarbonate facade achieves a balance between openness and privacy

project info:

name: atelier industrial
architect: atelier industrial

lead architect: Marcos Garbin

location: San Rafael, Argentina

photographer: Luis Abba | @luisabbaestudio

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: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post polycarbonate panels reflect light within minimalist atelier industrial in argentina appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Presented at DESIGNART Tokyo 2023, BORDER upcycles surplus hollow polycarbonate into a series of icy furniture pieces. Designed by Rikiya Toyoshima and Shoumu Taki, this collection breathes new life into the excess, exploring the potential of these overlooked resources as innovative interior solutions. The designers collected offcuts of these materials from a joiner workshop in Okayama Prefecture, which were originally used for doors and windows due to their transparency, heat insulation, and durability. However as each piece is custom-made, this presented a surplus challenge as the pieces resulted in uneven sizes occupying storage space. In response, the designers processed the surplus into thin, uniform boards, and repurposed them into a stool, table, partition, and light.

all images courtesy of Shoumu Taki

border: from plastic interior waste to icy furniture

In a world marked by creation, mass production, and consumption, surplus is inevitable, often destined for disposal. With this in sight Rikiya Toyoshima (more here) and Shoumu Taki (more here) recognized the untapped wisdom in repurposing these overlooked materials for BORDER. Together, they drew inspiration from the idea that excess can be a source of creativity — whether it’s scraps of clothing turning into personalized accessories, food transformed into an ecological recipe.

Taking a holistic approach, the design duo crafted a concept that harmonized with the distinct sizes of the surplus boards. They devised a joint construction that capitalizes on the continuous lines of the material, incorporating caulking material — commonly used in glass adherence in interior construction — into grooves at both ends. The result is a visually striking piece that introduces an eccentric, unseen design aesthetic to everyday spaces.

honing the strength and lightness of hollow polycarbonate with dynamic light reflections

Rikiya Toyoshima and Shoumu Taki unveil BORDER at DESIGNART Tokyo 2023

the designers processed the surplus into thin, uniform boards that shape the new furniture

undulating Partition

project info:

name: BORDER
designer: Rikiya Toyoshima, Shoumu Taki

partner company: Tanaka Kaken Co., Ltd. 

photography: Tomoro Nakasuji

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post BORDER upcycles surplus hollow polycarbonate into icy furniture for DESIGNART tokyo appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located in a bustling shopping district in Japan, a minimal hair salon designed by Atsushi Tasaki Architecture and Design stands on the ground floor of a newly built three-story building. The upper floors are designated for residential use, each having its own street-facing entrance. As visitors approach the salon, their attention is drawn to the building’s exterior. It features a combination of siding and aluminum sash, a design choice rooted in Japanese efficiency and style. This architectural approach carries a hint of nostalgia reminiscent of suburban aesthetics.

Even though it might seem a little strange at first because of its industrial appearance, there is a unique charm preserved over time.

all images by Atsushi Tasaki Architecture and Design

Atsushi Tasaki Transforms Common Elements into Unique Features

The client had two primary desires for the hair salon: to create a space that transcends typical salon aesthetics and to maximize the limited area available. Despite the small entryway, a narrow corridor leads visitors into a generously sized room. The architects faced the challenge of optimizing seating within the confined space. Through the innovative use of common materials and off-the-shelf components, the design team imbued the area with a distinct ambiance.

Departing from the conventional layout and dimensions, the design incorporates walls coated in LGS material, movable tables featuring built-in electrical outlets, and tile-based stools that protrude from the floor, aligning with the tile joints. Functional lights serve as both sources of illumination and spots to hang items. While the overall style leans toward a building’s aesthetic, incorporating polycarbonate introduces a subtle variation. Furthermore, strategically positioned rows of linear light fixtures guide people’s gaze from the street, arousing curiosity about the salon.

polycarbonate plates adorn the interior of the store, adding an industrial touch

some of the light fixtures double as hanger racks

upon entering the store, a narrow passageway ushers visitors into a spacious room

successive linear light fixtures guide the onlookers’ gaze to the interior

project info:

name: NEON Hair Salon
designer: Atsushi Tasaki Architecture and Design

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: christina petridou | designboom

The post aluminum and polycarbonate plates add an industrial touch to minimal japanese hair salon appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

‘SHIVER HOUSE V2’ by design studio NEON

‘Shiver house V2’, a kinetic ‘animal like’ cabin by design studio NEON ‘comes to life’ through the use of  1100 kinetic polycarbonate counter-weighted shingles. These feather-like planes rotate up or down when the wind, rain or snow hits them. Located in the park of Louvre Lens in France, this breathable cabin installation is an exploration into the idea that architecture can be used as a means to create a closer emotional link between its inhabitants and the surrounding nature. Correspondingly, the ever-changing nature of the external environment keeps the structure in a constant state of transformation.

the Shiver House V2 located in the park of Louvre Lens, France

all images courtesy of Yves Bercez

transformative polycarbonate counter-weighted shingles

The creation of this kinetic cabin by NEON shows a harmonious symphony of transformative polycarbonate counter-weighted shingles that compellingly grounds the viewer in the present moment, reducing any anxiety they may be experiencing. The viewer is also reminded of the invisible forces that surround them and is connected not only to the moving cabin, but to the wider landscape as well.

Interestingly, when inside the structure, one can observe the environment through its facade as they watch the kinetic planes modulate the internal light levels and view out to the surrounding landscape. ‘Shiver House V2’ builds on the success of the design studio’s previous iterations of the project installed in Finland (see more here); however, this latest version is designed for longer use and will sit within the park of Louvre Lens for years to come. 

top view of the Shiver House V2

1100 kinetic polycarbonate counter-weighted shingles that rotate up or down

the kinetic shingles modulate the internal light levels and view out to the surrounding landscape

detail of moving shingles

close-up detail of polycarbonate counter-weighted shingles

breathable facade invites the viewer to observe the environment from inside the cabin

project info:

name: Shiver House V2
architect: NEON

location: Louvre Lens, France

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: zaha mango | designboom

The post NEON recreates the ‘shiver house’ as a cabin with 1100 kinetic polycarbonate shingles appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all images by kaoru yamada

being located in a green area, taichi kuma took into consideration the relationship with nature and used materials that would expose the surroundings. the sauna has a minimal triangular shape with a roof and includes a stove and two benches. the space has 2 doors; one next to the stove for the host to water the stones and the other for guests to go out from sauna smoothly and have a shower outside.

taichi kuma covered the walls and the roof with transparent polycarbonates. he chose a material so transparent so that the users can enjoy the surrounding nature views. depending on the season, the colors of the view from inside are changing from green to snow white. a shower is placed right outside the sauna to cool down the body after the heat. it is paired with a bench for the user to deeply relax and feel mindfulness which is called ‘totonou’ in japanese. this simple sauna is a tool to dive into nature both physically and mentally. private saunas in nature may become important for modern human beings especially in the times of covid-19.

project info:

name: sankaku sauna

designer: taichi kuma

location: japan

photography:kaoru yamada

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: yasmina karam | designboom

The post triangulated finnish sauna with ribbed polycarbonates is inspired by japanese teahouse appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

images by peter bennetts

in keeping with their curious and research-led approach to architecture, the team at BLOXAS began the project by questioning preconceived ideas of space. ‘hot desking, mobile configurations, and virtual offices are all commercial strategies intended to break down our understanding of space. these strategies begin to pose questions about permanency and rigidity’,  says BLOXAS. ‘how do we define space, label it, stereotype it, and become accustomed to it through past experiences? what outcomes occur if we remove these labels and allow for a more dynamic and transformative delivery of habitation?’

with the idea to remove the need for permanency in mind, BLOXAS distilled the program of earl street down to two solid brick boundary walls, two floating timber pavilions and a spine of perforated mesh. the floating wooden boxes contain the sleeping accommodation. there’s also a closed bathroom volume at the end of the floor plan. the rest of the house is left open, affording residents the flexibility to change how they use and inhabit the space.

the exterior of the house is clad in black-colored brick and polycarbonate panels. the brick serves as a connection to the architectural fabric of melbourne while the translucent polycarbonate brings in natural light during the day and illuminates the building at night, animating the lane. it also gives a little hint to the life and light-filled spaces waiting inside.

‘light penetrates this building from all angles,’  says BLOXAS. ‘it appears as if elements are free-standing, held lightly together by a white steel sub-structure. views to the sky create endless parameters. a shifting and versatile plan within a heavily built-up urban environment establishes a new way of thinking about the economy of residential space.’

project info:

name: earl street

location: earl street, melbourne, australia

architect: BLOXAS

builder: locbuild

photography: peter bennetts | @peterbbennetts

The post translucent polycarbonate panels illuminate a flexible melbourne home designed by BLOXAS appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.