Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass in a Multi-Purpose Community Hub

Author:
Dongmin Lee
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass in a Multi-Purpose Community Hub

Project in-detail

With its unique charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design seamlessly integrates sustainable materials into a versatile community hub that promotes social interaction and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project employs charred wooden shingles, enhancing fire resistance while creating a unique texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their sustainability and structural efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for natural light to flood the interior while maintaining a connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Integrated recycling zones encourage community engagement in waste management and sustainability efforts.
05
Public gardens seamlessly blend with indoor spaces, fostering a strong connection between nature and community activities.
The Myvatn Band Station represents a thoughtful application of contemporary architectural practices, situated within the unique elevated terrain of Iceland. This project emphasizes a dual ethos of sustainability and community engagement, serving not only as a transport hub but also as a vibrant space for public interaction. The primary function of this architecture is to facilitate various community activities while fostering a connection with the surrounding natural beauty.

The design features a range of functional spaces that contribute to the overall mission of public service and community enrichment. At its core, the project is organized into distinct areas that include public gardens, multi-purpose community rooms, and necessary service zones that handle resource management like recycling. These components are carefully positioned to encourage movement and interaction, ensuring easy navigation for visitors while fostering engagement among users.

The use of materials in the Myvatn Band Station is intentional and speaks to a sustainable architectural approach. Concrete serves as the structural backbone, providing durability and resilience. Expansive glass panels are integrated into the design, allowing for natural light to fill interior spaces, enhancing their usability while providing views of the surrounding landscape. The warmth of wood, featured in select areas, reflects a commitment to building with renewable resources, reinforcing a harmonious relationship between the architecture and its natural site. Additionally, metal elements strategically incorporated into the design offer strength and modernity, inviting visitors to appreciate both form and function.

Unique to this project is its ability to merge form with purpose seamlessly. The architects have skillfully implemented a non-linear spatial configuration that resists traditional boxy designs often seen in public architecture. This results in spaces that adapt over time, meeting varying community needs, from informal gatherings to formal meetings. The open layout invites individuals to flow from indoor areas to outdoor gardens, integrating social interaction with nature.

Furthermore, the Myvatn Band Station is distinguished by its environmental considerations. The architectural design not only prioritizes energy efficiency but also implements systems for resource management, underscoring a commitment to sustainability. Green spaces play an essential role in this project, inviting ecological interactions and underscoring the importance of nature in the urban fabric.

As visitors explore the Myvatn Band Station, they are welcomed into a thoughtfully designed environment that is both functional and reflective of its surroundings. The careful attention to spatial arrangement, material selection, and sustainable practices illustrates a comprehensive understanding of contemporary architectural needs.

For those interested in exploring the vision behind this project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and renderings are available to offer deeper insights into the design process and architectural ideas. The Myvatn Band Station stands as a testament to what architecture can achieve when it harmonizes with the environment and serves the community, encouraging further exploration of its innovative approach.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy