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Concrete Structure with Volcanic Rock Amid a Community Landscape

Author:
Agata Stemplewska
Concrete Structure with Volcanic Rock Amid a Community Landscape
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Constructed with prefabricated concrete elements and local volcanic rock, the community house serves as a multifunctional space that promotes sustainability and resource sharing within its rural Icelandic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a façade combining concrete and local volcanic rock for a unique aesthetic.
02
Incorporates a community greenhouse that supports local agriculture and waste management.
03
Features designated spaces for resource exchange and a library with bookcrossing.
04
Sky lights in the waste management depot enhance natural lighting and user experience.
05
Designed to promote ecological awareness and foster community engagement.

The Uroboros community house is located in northern Iceland, close to Lake Mývatn. The building is designed to accommodate a range of functions, providing recreational spaces for locals, areas for organic waste management, and facilities for resource sharing. The overall design centers around a circular theme, which embodies the idea of community and reflects concepts of a circular economy.

Architectural Concept
The design features a ring structure that communicates unity and connection. Named after Uroboros, a mythological creature that represents infinite rebirth, the structure aligns with the project's focus on sustainability. The building's simple form works well with the surrounding landscape, creating a relationship between the built and natural environments.

Functional Layout
The layout of Uroboros is carefully thought out to serve a variety of needs. The southeastern section acts as a recreational area, containing a multi-purpose meeting room and a children’s zone. These features invite interaction and engagement, while also allowing occupants to appreciate the views of the landscape.

Sustainability Initiatives
Incorporating sustainable practices is central to the design. A community greenhouse is integrated into the base of the building, supporting local agriculture and waste management initiatives. This aspect of the design encourages ecological awareness within the community. Additionally, there is a designated space for collecting and sorting organic waste, emphasizing the importance of environmentally responsible practices.

Material Choices
The construction uses prefabricated reinforced concrete elements to reduce the carbon footprint. The façade combines concrete with local volcanic rock, giving the building a distinct appearance that connects it to its environment. This choice of materials not only enhances visual appeal but also supports the environmental goals of the project.

Natural light enters through skylights in the adjacent waste management depot, creating a welcoming environment for those involved in resource collection and recycling. This thoughtful detail highlights the commitment to sustainability and enriches the experience for users.

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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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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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