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Iceberg-Inspired Community House Using Upcycled Timber and Recycled Concrete

Author:
Chan Tak chak
Iceberg-Inspired Community House Using Upcycled Timber and Recycled Concrete

Project in-detail

Inspired by the forms of Icelandic icebergs, the community house integrates upcycled timber and recycled concrete to create a multifunctional space for local engagement and resource exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by local icebergs, the building's shape reflects natural glacial forms.
02
The design promotes circular economy principles through a focus on sustainability and resource sharing.
03
Upcycled timber was selected to reduce environmental impact and enhance interior warmth.
04
A public greenhouse fosters community engagement and encourages sustainable agriculture.
05
Daylighting strategies optimize natural light, creating inviting spaces throughout the interior.

Berghub, located near Myvatn and Iceland’s notable icebergs, showcases a thoughtful approach to community involvement and sustainable design. Serving as a multifunctional space, it invites locals and visitors to meet, learn, and exchange resources. The design concept emphasizes the principles of the Circular Economy, aiming to create a positive impact on the environment while fostering social interaction.

Building Form and Integration

The shape of Berghub draws inspiration from the glacial landscape of Iceland. Its structure resembles the forms of icebergs, connecting the building to its natural environment. This design is important, as it highlights a respectful relationship with the landscape. The integration into the surroundings reflects an understanding of local geography and an effort to minimize disruption to the ecosystem.



Functional Space Organization

The arrangement of spaces within Berghub is designed to support various activities. It includes a multipurpose room for community events, zones for waste and resource collection, a dedicated children's room, and a public greenhouse or garden. Each area is intentionally planned to promote interactions among users. This approach to space facilitates community engagement and encourages the sharing of ideas and resources.



Materiality and Construction

Materials used in the construction of Berghub are selected to align with its sustainable goals. Upcycled timber contributes to the ecological design, while recycled concrete is used for the foundation slab, thus reducing environmental impact. Reinforcing steel adds strength to the structure, and solid wood beams enhance the warmth inside the building. Each element is chosen with care to ensure both functionality and durability.



Light and Atmosphere

Natural light plays a significant role in the design of Berghub. The layout is oriented to maximize daylight within the interior, creating bright and inviting spaces. This focus on light enhances the overall atmosphere, making the environment welcoming for all visitors. The combination of thoughtful space organization, material choices, and natural illumination contributes to a harmonious setting that emphasizes well-being and community.

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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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