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Concrete Cantilevers Supporting a Green Roof Community Hub

Author:
Irene Suescum
Concrete Cantilevers Supporting a Green Roof Community Hub

Project in-detail

Cantilevered concrete beams sustain a green roof, creating an expansive community hub that seamlessly connects diverse functional spaces for interaction and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered concrete beams create an open central area without columns.
02
A green roof enhances biodiversity and connects occupants with nature.
03
Private zones include a drop-in area for recycling without building access.
04
Skylights allow natural light to illuminate the interior spaces.
05
Design emphasizes community engagement through multifunctional spaces.

The architectural design known as "FRÁ JÖRÐUNNI" is set in an urban environment and functions as a community hub. The design concept focuses on an almost column-free structure that promotes openness and connectivity within the space. By framing a central area for community use, the building encourages social interaction and highlights its relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Structural Framework

Concrete concourse beams form the primary structural system, extending from the foundation and cantilevering the roof. This approach allows the building to appear as if it is emerging from the ground. The absence of columns in the central space enhances the feeling of openness, creating an environment where movement and interaction can take place freely.

Functional Layout

The heart of the design is an open area dedicated to various community activities. This space connects essential components such as an open kitchen, a fabrication lab, a resource exchange, a recycling area, a kids’ area, and an information desk. By linking these functions, the design promotes engagement and supports the building's role as a center for social gathering and collaboration.

Private Zones

Adjacent to the central area are private zones, including a sauna/showers and a depot, which are designed to cater to individual needs while remaining accessible. The depot includes a drop-in area for visitors to deposit recycling items and resources, which enhances efficiency. This thoughtful arrangement of spaces balances the need for public engagement with the importance of personal privacy.

Green Integration

Sustainability plays a key role in the design, exemplified by the greenhouse located on the second level. This feature creates a connection to the green roof, allowing users to engage with nature. The green roof not only adds to the visual appeal of the structure but also supports biodiversity and promotes ecological awareness within the community. The design integrates the built environment with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between the two.

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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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