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Curved Concrete Walls and Modular Chambers in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Jaehun Woo, Jinseon Noh, Minyeong Park
Curved Concrete Walls and Modular Chambers in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Curved concrete walls and modular chambers crafted from recycled materials create an adaptable hub for community engagement, seamlessly integrated into the unique landscape of Lake Myvatn, serving diverse local needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved concrete walls optimize thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
Modular chambers are specifically designed for effective recycling of local materials.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the landscaping.
04
The central plaza promotes community gatherings and educational events.
05
Locally sourced materials enhance the building's connection to its environment.
The Lake Myvatn Community House is an architectural project situated in Iceland, designed to serve as a multifunctional center for community engagement and resource management. This structure not only meets various communal needs but also emphasizes sustainability through its innovative use of materials and design elements. The project aims to create a resilient space that reflects the local environmental context while facilitating interactions among residents.

Sustainability and Adaptability
Central to the design of the Lake Myvatn Community House is its focus on sustainability and adaptability. The structure incorporates recycled materials, such as concrete and steel, sourced locally to minimize environmental impact. This choice of materials enhances thermal efficiency and reduces resource consumption. The project features a series of interconnected modules that allow for future expansion as community needs evolve. This flexibility is essential for accommodating potential changes in usage over time, ensuring the facility remains relevant and functional.

The building's orientation and thermal mass design are critical components that leverage Iceland's climate. By optimizing solar gain and mitigating energy loss, the project demonstrates a commitment to efficient energy use. The natural light that enters the space improves occupants' well-being while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Community-Centric Design Elements
The Lake Myvatn Community House includes significant design elements that prioritize community interaction and resource management. A central gathering area serves as the heart of the building, promoting social cohesion and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. This space is strategically designed to facilitate events, workshops, and educational initiatives, reinforcing communal ties.

The project also features specific chambers for collecting and processing recycled materials, allowing the community to engage in sustainable practices actively. Each chamber is dedicated to particular materials, such as wood, plastic, and metal, streamlining recycling efforts while raising awareness about responsible resource management.

The pathways integrated into the landscape encourage exploration and reinforce the connection between the community house and its surrounding natural environment. These pathways not only provide access but also enhance the overall user experience by inviting residents to interact with the extensive grounds.

The Lake Myvatn Community House exemplifies a thoughtful architectural approach that marries function with sustainability. The unique design strategies employed in this project establish a framework for community resilience and adaptability. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with this project to gain deeper insights into its innovative concepts and layout.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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