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Biosphere Integration with Clean Energy Focus in Icelandic Community

Author:
Johny Vincent
Biosphere Integration with Clean Energy Focus in Icelandic Community
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With a strong focus on biosphere integration and clean energy solutions, the design facilitates a sustainable community in Snæfellsjökull, promoting environmental awareness alongside essential health and cultural services.
5 key facts about this project
01
A dedicated Clean Energy Vehicles Tunnel enhances sustainable transport within the community.
02
The design incorporates a Chrysalis Space Module to promote adaptability for various functions.
03
Waste-to-Energy systems efficiently manage organic waste while generating energy for the community.
04
Agricultural spaces are integrated to support local food systems and self-sufficiency.
05
The Sea Module fosters engagement with the marine environment, enriching community experiences.

The project located in Snæfellsjökull, Iceland, creates a sustainable community that integrates various functions and spaces. It emphasizes environmental awareness and encourages community interaction. Green transport solutions, cultural facilities, and health services are all part of the design, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Community Hub

At the center of the design is a HUB that serves as the main gathering area. This space promotes social interaction and hosts various community activities. The nearby Community Council is an essential part of this concept, providing residents with a platform to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making processes.



Cultural and Recreational Spaces

The design includes a Cultural - Theater - Museum space that supports artistic expression. This area allows residents to engage with culture and partake in events that strengthen their sense of belonging. By focusing on shared experiences, it contributes to the overall character of the community.



Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project. A Clean Energy Vehicles Tunnel enables non-polluting transportation, while Parking for Clean Energy Vehicles supports eco-friendly choices. Waste management is also thoughtfully addressed, with facilities for Recycling, Composting, and Waste-to-Energy initiatives that aim to minimize environmental impact.



Health and Wellbeing

Access to Health Services is strategically incorporated, ensuring that medical care is available to all. Additionally, agricultural and livestock areas highlight the importance of self-sufficiency, fostering local food systems that connect residents to sustainable practices.



The Sea Module adds another layer to the community's design. It connects inhabitants to the surrounding marine environment, creating opportunities for recreation and education about local ecosystems. This integration enhances relationships between people and nature, reflecting a broader vision of harmony within the community.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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