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Basalt Retaining Walls and Glulam Structures Supporting a Sustainable Community Facility

Authors:
Victor imre Ebergenyi kelly, Cesar fernando Flores cuellar, Yissel alanis Nolasco reyes, Pamela araceli Camargo sosa
Basalt Retaining Walls and Glulam Structures Supporting a Sustainable Community Facility

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced glulam and basalt, the Community House integrates sustainable practices with a multifunctional design, serving as a vital hub for community engagement and waste management.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from local glulam, enhancing sustainability and community connection.
02
Basalt walls integrate with the landscape while providing structural and aesthetic benefits.
03
Flexible interior spaces can adapt to various community functions and events.
04
A dedicated greenhouse promotes environmental education and community gardening.
05
The design incorporates natural light and thermal mass to enhance energy efficiency.

The Iceland Lake Mývatn Community House is a project designed to function as a multifunctional facility serving the municipalities of Skútustaðahreppur and Þingeyjarsveit. Nestled in the landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn, this structure harmonizes with its environment while serving crucial community needs, specifically in waste management and social gathering. The design emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and adaptability, making it a notable example of contemporary architecture that values ecological responsibility and community engagement.

Sustainability and Material Selection The project incorporates a range of materials that reflect both ecological considerations and local context. The use of wood, particularly glued laminated timber (glulam), enhances structural integrity while adding warmth to the interior spaces. Basaltic stone is employed for retaining walls and as a facade element, grounding the building in its natural surroundings. Concrete is selected for its durability and longevity, supporting essential structural functions while minimizing maintenance needs. The emphasis on utilizing local materials not only reduces transportation emissions but also fosters a connection between the building and the regional identity.

Functional Layout and Community Integration The Community House is organized to accommodate a variety of functions, promoting interaction and accessibility. Central to the design is a large community area that can host events, educational programs, and local gatherings. Flexible living spaces are strategically planned to maximize natural light and provide comfortable environments year-round. Administrative services are positioned in conjunction with community functions to streamline operations and enhance user experience. The recycling and waste management facilities are designed with pragmatism in mind, ensuring that these essential services are accessible without detracting from the overall user experience.

Unique Aspects of Design This project distinguishes itself through its approach to adaptive design and community involvement. The integration of circular economy principles emphasizes waste reduction and recycling not only within the community center's function but also in its design strategy. The way the building interacts with the terrain—utilizing terraces and landscaping—addresses ecological challenges and enhances the local landscape's aesthetics. Furthermore, the project encourages community participation in physical and educational activities, creating a sense of ownership among residents.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and design concepts of this remarkable project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive presentation of the Iceland Lake Mývatn Community House. This detailed exploration will illuminate the project's thoughtful architectural ideas and how they contribute to the community's social and environmental goals.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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