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Metal Frames and Red Accents Defining Community Connections in Iceland

Author:
Maria Volter
Metal Frames and Red Accents Defining Community Connections in Iceland
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Constructed with intersecting metal frames and highlighted by red accents, the community center in Iceland offers a dynamic space for social interaction and sustainability through hands-on activities like recycling.
5 key facts about this project
01
The upper building maximizes views with a circular layout that encourages movement.
02
The lower building features a bold red façade, serving as a visual landmark.
03
Pathways connect the buildings, designed for both pedestrians and electric vehicles.
04
An inclined entrance highlights the verticality of the upper building's design.
05
Skylights are strategically placed to enhance natural light throughout the interior.

The community center features two distinct buildings: an upper and a lower structure. These buildings are designed to serve different functions while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. Located on a hillside, the upper building is oriented to maximize views and acts as a gathering place for relaxation, social interaction, food cultivation, and community events. The design reflects a careful balance of purpose and aesthetic considerations, creating a welcoming environment for all users.

Upper Building Design

The upper building is organized in a circular layout that encourages movement among different spaces. This design allows for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the community experience. Skylights are strategically placed within the roof to provide natural light throughout the interior, contributing to a bright and open atmosphere. The architecture prioritizes openness and interaction, facilitating various communal activities within a clearly defined space.

Lower Building Functionality

In contrast, the lower building focuses more on practicality and sustainability. It offers facilities for hands-on activities such as recycling and resource reuse. The structure is designed in a distinctive red sequence, making it a noticeable feature in the landscape while serving operational needs. Its location near the main road allows for easy vehicle access, complemented by a nearby parking area and a dedicated waste collection zone along the north façade for effective management of materials.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Connecting the upper and lower buildings are pathways designed for easy circulation. These include a step walkway and unpaved lanes that accommodate electric vehicles. Both elements underscore the importance of accessibility and promote movement between the two structures. The main entrance to the upper building is inviting, featuring an inclined path that enhances the visitor experience while highlighting the design's verticality.

Structural Concept and Materials

The design's structural concept relies on two intersecting rings of metal frames. This innovative approach creates a transparent volume that appears to float above the landscape, supported at minimal contact points. The design blends functionality with aesthetics, emphasizing contemporary architecture. The careful balance of solid and transparent elements allows the community center to merge with its surroundings while providing shelter and gathering spaces for its users.

Natural light pours in through the expansive glass, creating an inviting atmosphere. With each detail, the building fosters connections between people and their environment, making it a place where community members can gather, share, and engage with one another.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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