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Charred Wooden Shingles and Galvanized Steel Integrate with Natural Landscape for Multifunctional Community Space

Author:
Ilias Kranos
Charred Wooden Shingles and Galvanized Steel Integrate with Natural Landscape for Multifunctional Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and galvanized steel, the community house blends seamlessly into the Myvatn landscape, serving as a versatile hub for local gatherings and resource exchanges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and minimizes energy consumption.
04
Includes an Exchange Point for resource sharing, fostering community engagement.
05
Strategically positioned to harmonize with the local Myvatn landscape, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.

The Myvatn Community House is a contemporary architectural project situated in the Myvatn region of Iceland. This facility is designed as a multifunctional space that serves the local community's diverse needs, providing areas for gatherings, workshops, and resource exchanges. It reflects a commitment to sustainability, cultural connection, and the integration of the built environment within the natural landscape.

The design of the Community House is influenced by the traditional turf houses of Iceland, which are indicative of the region's architectural heritage. By embracing this vernacular style, the project establishes a connection between the past and the present while incorporating modern construction techniques and materials. The architectural layout includes several distinct zones, each dedicated to specific functions such as communal meetings, educational activities, and exhibitions. This division facilitates a variety of uses while promoting collaboration and engagement among community members.

Traditional Building Influence The Myvatn Community House opts for a unique design approach by reinterpreting historical architectural elements in a contemporary framework. The use of galvanized steel for structural components and the application of plywood for interior spaces reflect a balance between durability and warmth. Additionally, painted metal sheets offer a cost-effective yet visually appealing exterior. This combination of materials not only enhances the building's aesthetic quality but also reinforces its sustainability goals.

The project also features a distinctive "Exchange Point," serving as a central location for the sharing of resources and ideas. This element promotes a community-centric economy by facilitating the exchange of goods and services. Furthermore, the integration of a greenhouse within the site design emphasizes local food production and reinforces the community’s commitment to ecological practices. These unique aspects of the project distinguish it from typical community spaces, making it a hub for environmental stewardship and social interaction.

Functional Design and Environmental Considerations The functional layout of the Myvatn Community House is meticulously planned to enhance user experience while maintaining flexibility. The large communal area can be reconfigured through movable partitions, adapting to various events and activities. Attention to environmental factors, such as wind and light, informs the building's orientation and form to maximize natural light and minimize energy consumption. Polyurethane foam insulation is applied to ensure thermal efficiency, critical for maintaining comfort during Iceland’s extreme weather conditions.

The relationship between the building and its surrounding landscape is thoughtfully considered, with a design that responds to the site's topography. Terraced planes guide movement from access points to the building, ensuring a seamless integration with the environment. This approach not only respects the physical landscape but also encourages a sense of harmony between the community house and its natural setting.

The Myvatn Community House exemplifies a well-considered architectural response to community needs, emphasizing historical relevance, sustainability, and flexible functionality. To gain deeper insights into the design and its components, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with this project.

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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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