URSA MAJOR: Sustainable Arctic Architecture in Extreme Environments

Project by: Agata Misior

Shortlisted entry of: EHC - Arctic

In an age defined by climate crisis and environmental instability, Ursa Major presents an inspiring case for sustainable Arctic architecture. The project reimagines extreme climate habitation through modular construction, renewable energy, and ecologically responsive design. As the Arctic warms at twice the global average, designing for resilience and sustainability in such sensitive environments becomes not only relevant—but urgent.

Designing for an Unforgiving Climate

The Arctic, once considered impenetrable, now faces rapid transformation. Glacial melt, sea-level rise, and loss of biodiversity are among the most visible consequences. Ursa Major counters this reality by envisioning a human settlement that not only survives but thrives in this demanding landscape. A network of large domes provides protective envelopes for inhabitants while maintaining access to daylight, open spaces, and essential functions.

This bio-climatic shell shields the interior from sub-zero temperatures and high winds while housing all necessary utilities for a self-sufficient lifestyle. The domes act as energy-efficient buffers, turning harsh external conditions into manageable microclimates.

Modular Housing in a Biosphere

At the heart of Ursa Major is a modular housing strategy driven by scalability and adaptability. The primary load-bearing wall supports various residential units that can be added or rearranged depending on population needs. Residents can personalize the structure's internal layout—ranging from single to multi-module housing units—ensuring privacy and community flexibility.

Constructed using hempcrete and cross-laminated timber, each module is designed for minimal environmental impact. Hempcrete's carbon-storing capacity enables negative CO2 emissions, while its insulating properties make it ideal for cold climates. This low-weight system also enhances logistical efficiency, making module transport feasible via hyperloop networks.

Smart Assembly and Interior Integration

Modules are moved into position along horizontal rails and connected vertically through a dynamic assembly system. These mobile living units are supported by a centralized spine, which distributes services and enables vertical growth without structural compromise.

The project integrates recreational zones like 'mushroom' platforms and a circular footpath—"The Ring"—for walking and cycling. Interiors feature panoramic views of the Arctic terrain while maintaining cozy, thermally insulated environments ideal for long-term habitation.

100% Renewable Energy Utilization

Emphasizing the potential for a carbon-neutral future, Ursa Major utilizes the Arctic’s natural resources to power the settlement. Wind turbines and solar panels generate renewable energy, stored efficiently as hydrogen. Wind conditions in the Canadian Archipelago and Arctic Basin are favorable for turbines, especially during darker winter months when solar input is minimal.

Midnight sun phenomena during summer further complement solar panel performance, providing a balanced year-round energy profile. This dual-source system offers a decentralized, fail-safe supply critical to remote living.

A Blueprint for Climate-Responsive Architecture

Ursa Major is more than a shelter—it’s a manifesto for how architecture can respond to planetary urgency. It addresses environmental degradation, climate adaptation, and carbon neutrality in a comprehensive vision. The modular dome habitat offers a testbed for future colonization in extreme zones, whether Arctic, desert, or extraterrestrial.

Through sustainable materials, flexible urban planning, and renewable energy, Agata Misior’s proposal exemplifies the principles of sustainable Arctic architecture. It challenges us to rethink not just how we live—but where and why.