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Mycelium Insulation and Birch Structure Creating a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Teun Strikkers, Stijn Riemen, Alexander Akkermans
Mycelium Insulation and Birch Structure Creating a Sustainable Community Hub
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Utilizing mycelium insulation and a structure primarily crafted from birch wood, the design serves as a multifunctional community hub that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mycelium for insulation, promoting waste reduction.
02
Features a year-round greenhouse for local food production.
03
Incorporates a rooftop playground to support child engagement.
04
Includes a repair café for sustainable practices and community workshops.
05
Designed with large community rooms to facilitate social interaction.

Mývatn Birki is located in the scenic Mývatn region, focusing on creating a community that promotes sustainability and interaction among its members. The design idea revolves around incorporating various spaces that encourage sharing, collaboration, and education. At the heart of the building is a greenhouse, which serves a dual purpose as both a nursery for trees and a place for growing food throughout the year. This element highlights the project's commitment to ecological practices.

Community Facilities
The first floor features large, multifunctional community rooms that cater to different activities, such as meetings, workshops, and social events. These spaces are designed to encourage residents to interact with one another and to welcome both locals and visitors, especially through an exhibition area that displays local art and sustainable initiatives. Additionally, a designated children’s room and a rooftop playground create an inviting environment for families, further enhancing the community aspect.

Sustainability Practices
On the ground floor, the layout supports sustainability through a spacious storage area and a workshop. This space is intended for the repair and upcycling of furniture and other items, emphasizing a hands-on approach to resource management. Organic waste is collected and composted, with some returned to the greenhouse, promoting a system that uses local resources effectively. The design places a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that everyone in the community can engage with the available facilities.

Material Choices
Materials used in Mývatn Birki support its sustainability goals. Birch wood serves as a principal structural element, promoting a renewable approach to construction. Aluminum frames are added for strength, and they can be recycled, aligning well with the building's commitment to a circular economy. Mycelium provides insulation, utilizing organic waste and contributing to thermal efficiency in the space.

The overall design creates a functional hub that encourages engagement and knowledge sharing within the community. Natural light plays an essential role, with the greenhouse strategically designed to maximize sunlight exposure, creating a bright and welcoming environment conducive to growth and community interaction. The thoughtful layout and consideration of materials enhance the overall experience for users, instilling a sense of belonging and responsibility for the environment.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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