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Concrete Cantilevers Supporting a Green Roof Community Hub

Author:
Irene Suescum
Concrete Cantilevers Supporting a Green Roof Community Hub
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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