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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Shaping a Community Hub in Iceland's Unique Landscape

Authors:
Jaden Mialszygrosz, Ken Catubig
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Shaping a Community Hub in Iceland's Unique Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the community hub harmonizes with Iceland's rugged landscape, serving as a versatile space for education, recreation, and social connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced timber for sustainability and environmental integration.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that echoes the surrounding volcanic landscape.
04
Boasts extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and community connectivity.
05
Includes a green roof to promote biodiversity and enhance insulation.
The Iceland Lake Mývatn Community House is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project that serves as a vital center for community engagement in the picturesque surroundings of Mývatn, Iceland. This community house is more than just a structure; it represents a commitment to fostering social connections while respecting and integrating with the landscape's unique natural features. Its design is grounded in the principles of sustainability and functionality, ensuring that the building meets the varied needs of its users while contributing positively to the environment.

The primary function of the community house is to serve as a hub for local residents, accommodating a range of activities from educational programs and workshops to social events and recreational gatherings. This multifunctional space is designed to enhance community cohesion by providing areas that encourage interaction and engagement among users. The layout of the building is carefully organized to facilitate smooth movement between different zones, ensuring that visitors can seamlessly shift from educational spaces to community gathering areas.

Key architectural elements are meticulously crafted to enhance both usability and aesthetic appeal. The incorporation of large glass panels serves multiple purposes; they invite abundant natural light into the interior while offering expansive views of the stunning surrounding landscape. This design choice not only connects indoor and outdoor spaces but also reinforces the building's integration with its environment. The use of locally sourced timber for structural elements reflects a commitment to sustainability and helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere that resonates with the community’s cultural identity.

Moreover, the project features distinct zones tailored for various functions. The community gathering area is designed for adaptability, capable of hosting events of differing scales. This space is characterized by a high ceiling, allowing for a sense of openness and encouraging a lively atmosphere during gatherings. Dedicated educational zones are also integral to the design, catering to different age groups and fostering a culture of learning and growth.

An outdoor play area specifically designed for children enhances the community house’s appeal. This space promotes interaction with nature, allowing younger visitors to explore and learn in an engaging environment. Additionally, landscaped surroundings complement the building, providing green spaces for relaxation and social activities, further extending the functions of the community house outdoors.

The architectural design emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials and energy-efficient strategies. The project employs a combination of concrete for structural components, timber for warmth and local character, and green roofs that offer insulation while promoting local ecology. These choices reflect a conscious effort to minimize ecological impact while enhancing the building’s longevity and effectiveness.

What sets the Iceland Lake Mývatn Community House apart is not only its physical structure but also its overarching design philosophy that champions both community and environmental awareness. The merging of modern architectural practices with traditional values ensures that the building responds to the needs of its users while embracing its geographical context.

The interplay of form and function exemplified in this project invites further exploration of architectural plans, sections, and designs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the innovative approaches applied throughout the development. By delving deeper into the specifics of this architectural endeavor, readers can appreciate the nuanced ideas that shape the community house and its significant role within the Mývatn region. This project serves as a notable model for future architectural designs that prioritize community interaction and environmental symbiosis, encouraging readers to explore the full presentation of the project for a richer insight into its details and implications for contemporary architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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