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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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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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