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Crystal Palace Greenhouse Overlooking Iceland's Wilderness

Author:
Hui Guo
Crystal Palace Greenhouse Overlooking Iceland's Wilderness
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The integration of a large greenhouse known as The Crystal Palace within a community house at Lake Myvatn creates a distinctive environmental hub that fosters social interaction and engagement in Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a large greenhouse to enhance indoor biodiversity.
02
The building features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Community engagement areas are positioned to maximize social interaction.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
The layout harmonizes with the natural contours of the Icelandic landscape.

The Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House is set in the unique landscape of Iceland, characterized by its contrasts between wilderness and glaciers. The design focuses on building community connections while respecting the environment. It incorporates three main areas: Space Orbit, Colosseum, and The Crystal Palace. Each space has a specific purpose, which helps to promote the concept of "Collision and Coexist." This theme highlights the relationship between people and nature in an engaging and meaningful way.

SPACE ORBIT

Space Orbit is the ground level of the community house and includes essential functions for daily use. It features an information zone, a kids room, accessible bathrooms, and a meeting point. This design encourages accessibility and helps build social interactions among users. By positioning these areas together, the layout creates a welcoming environment that enhances community engagement and invites users to connect more easily.



COLOSSEUM

The Colosseum acts as the central public space, designed to encourage communication and sharing. This area supports various activities and interactions among users, creating opportunities for relationships to form. The design of the Colosseum prioritizes community involvement and provides a vibrant atmosphere where people can come together. Its open layout fosters a sense of unity and connection among those who gather there.



THE CRYSTAL PALACE

At the top of the structure is The Crystal Palace, envisioned as a large greenhouse. This space symbolizes growth and care for the environment. By incorporating natural elements, it supports both indoor and outdoor ecological systems. The light that fills this greenhouse creates an inviting space during Iceland’s long nights, providing a calming environment for plants and users alike. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nature in our lives.



The Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House integrates its functions with the surrounding landscape. Each space is intentionally designed to foster a sense of connection and belonging while encouraging community interaction. The thoughtful arrangement of these areas emphasizes the relationship between people and their environment, creating a nurturing place for all who visit.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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