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Basalt Clad Community Hub Featuring Earth Plaster and Green Roof Integration

Author:
Léa Thérouanne
Basalt Clad Community Hub Featuring Earth Plaster and Green Roof Integration
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Utilizing basalt cladding and earth plaster, the community hub seamlessly integrates a green roof with its natural surroundings, serving as a multifunctional space for cultural exchange and local engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local basalt as a primary exterior cladding material.
02
Incorporates a central patio to enhance natural light and social interaction.
03
Features a green roof that blends into the surrounding terrain.
04
Employs straw bale insulation for improved thermal performance.
05
Includes an observation deck designed for viewing the Northern Lights.

The Telluric Community Centre is an architectural project located near Lake Myvatn in Iceland. This facility serves as a multifunctional space aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting cultural exchange. The design embraces a circular form, seamlessly integrating the building with the surrounding landscape, while prioritizing sustainable practices throughout its construction and operation.

The architecture of the Telluric Community Centre encapsulates a deep respect for local traditions and the environment. Its layout is carefully organized into public, semi-public, and private zones, facilitating flow and accessibility. Public areas include a café and workshops, while more private spaces are allocated for artist studios and community events. The central patio serves as a gathering point, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and enhancing spatial experience. This focus on communal interaction underscores the project’s primary function of serving local residents and visitors alike.

Unique Design Approaches

The design of the Telluric Community Centre is distinguished by its commitment to sustainability and ecological sensitivity. It incorporates local materials, such as wood and basalt, reflecting Iceland's geological and cultural context. The use of earth plaster in the interior enhances thermal efficiency while creating a natural aesthetic. Additionally, insulation made from straw bales and sheep wool demonstrates innovative approaches aimed at reducing environmental impact.

The building's orientation towards Lake Myvatn is another notable feature. This strategic positioning not only frames picturesque views but also engages users with the surrounding environment, promoting a connection to nature. The implementation of a green roof further enhances sustainability, extending the outdoor landscape while improving energy efficiency.

Architectural Diversity and Community Integration

The Telluric Community Centre exemplifies architectural diversity through its flexible spatial configurations. Public zones are designed to accommodate a range of activities, from exhibitions to educational workshops, promoting a sense of community ownership. The inclusion of natural ventilation systems and rainwater harvesting further supports the project’s sustainability goals, showcasing a commitment to resource management.

Innovative considerations such as the incorporation of an observation deck facilitate unique experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of both the building and the lake. This aspect of design highlights the project's role in enhancing the user experience, making it a vital resource within the local context.

Exploring the details of the Telluric Community Centre offers valuable insights into contemporary architectural design focused on sustainability and community engagement. For a comprehensive understanding, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas associated with this project, highlighting its distinctive approach to blending architecture with the environment and community needs.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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