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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Multifunctional Community Hub

Author:
Era shae Brown
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Multifunctional Community Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a visually cohesive and environmentally sensitive community center that integrates seamlessly with the unique ecological landscape of Lake Mývatn, providing multifunctional spaces for local engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while blending with the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels support rapid construction and sustainability efforts.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the building.
04
Green roofs promote biodiversity and assist in rainwater management.
05
Integrated geothermal heating utilizes local resources for energy efficiency.

The Lake Mývatn Community Center is positioned in a distinctive ecological context, adjacent to Lake Mývatn in Iceland. This project embodies a thoughtful architectural response to its natural surroundings, establishing an important hub for the local community. The structure serves multiple functions, including hosting community events, educational programs, and recreational activities, fostering social interaction and engagement among residents.

The design integrates sustainable practices with a focus on community needs. Employing local resources, the community center accentuates the importance of environmental stewardship while promoting a sense of place within the local culture. The layout is organized to facilitate easy movement and interaction, featuring several multifunctional spaces designed to adapt to various uses.

Innovative material selection is a standout feature of the Lake Mývatn Community Center. It utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural elements, which supports rapid construction and is recognized for its sustainability attributes. Recycled concrete, derived from local aggregates, contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. Additionally, basalt fiber is incorporated into both the building's insulation and structural integrity, showcasing an intelligent use of regional materials.

The integration of large glass panels enhances natural lighting while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This design choice creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting user well-being. The roof design reflects the natural contours of the land, echoing traditional Icelandic turf houses while incorporating modern aesthetics. Green roofs, covered with native vegetation, not only promote biodiversity but also assist in rainwater management.

An emphasis on geothermal energy as the primary heating source exemplifies the commitment to sustainability. This approach capitalizes on the region's natural resources, significantly reducing operational energy costs and minimizing environmental impact. The community center also employs passive design principles, enhancing thermal mass to regulate internal temperatures effectively.

With a focus on community engagement, this project serves as an educational resource concerning local ecology and sustainable development practices. Key features include adaptable spaces that can accommodate various functions, allowing the center to serve different community needs as they arise.

The Lake Mývatn Community Center represents a significant advancement in public architecture, particularly in its integration of sustainable design principles and community-focused spaces. To explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation for deeper insights and details.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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