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Gathering Spaces with Community Terrace and Interconnected Volumes

Authors:
Marco Pagliara, Mario Benedict
Gathering Spaces with Community Terrace and Interconnected Volumes

Project in-detail

The design integrates interconnected volumes with a central community terrace, promoting social interaction and environmental awareness in a space dedicated to gathering and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a central terrace that encourages community interactions.
02
Interconnected volumes create a village-like atmosphere for residents.
03
The architectural form reflects historical building typologies of the region.
04
Dedicated spaces for upcycling promote sustainability and resourcefulness.
05
Natural landscaping integrates the structure with its surrounding environment.

The Lake Mývatn Community House, known as Tún, is located on a hill that overlooks Lake Mývatn. The design serves as a communal space where residents can connect with one another and their environment. It emphasizes the importance of cultural and natural history while creating a functional area for community activities. The overall concept centers on interconnected volumes, each facilitating interaction and social engagement.

Connection to Context

The design features a series of connected forms that flow into each other, creating a village-like atmosphere. Each architectural volume plays a role in promoting communal living. The arrangement considers the site’s landscape and historical structures, such as long boats and long houses. This thoughtful design enhances the cultural significance of the building, grounding it in local history.

Community Engagement

A prominent aspect of Tún is the interior slope and terrace, serving as a central gathering space. This area invites residents to come together, fostering social interaction and engagement. Circulation routes are intentionally designed to encourage movement through the space, allowing individuals to engage with one another naturally throughout their daily routines.

Sustainability and Functionality

Functional spaces for education and upcycling demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Workshops and resource exchange areas integrate into the design, empowering residents to repurpose materials and actively engage in their community. This approach not only meets immediate needs but also encourages a long-term commitment to environmental awareness.

Interaction with the Landscape

While specific materials are not detailed, the design suggests a connection to the natural environment. The possibility of using locally sourced materials is implied, which would enhance the integration of the structure within its setting. This focus on context creates a visual and functional relationship with the surrounding area, leading to a space that respects both landscape and community needs.

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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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