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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

Project in-detail

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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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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