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Recycling Nature's Resources with Bird's down and Timber in a Community Hub

Authors:
Blanca Pedrosa, Desmond Hung
Recycling Nature's Resources with Bird's down and Timber in a Community Hub
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Utilizing locally sourced timber and bird's down, the community center serves as an educational hub that promotes sustainability and cultural exchange in the unique landscape of northeastern Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local bird's down for insulation, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a two-level layout separating public engagement from operational functions.
03
Features panoramic views thanks to its strategic adaptation to the site's topography.
04
Showcases a commitment to sustainability through the recycling of regional timber resources.
05
Serves as a cultural center, promoting education on ecological practices and local heritage.

Lykkjuhús is located in northeastern Iceland, positioned between the municipalities of Skútustaðahreppur and Þingeyjarsveit along the well-known Diamond Circle tourist route. The structure serves as a community center focused on education about sustainability while fostering cultural exchange. The design is built around the theme of "Life Cycles," which emphasizes the connections between human activity and the natural environment.

Design Concept
The architecture emphasizes harmony with the surrounding landscape. The primary goal is to limit ecological disruption while inviting visitors to interact with the natural environment. By incorporating educational elements related to sustainability, the center helps to raise awareness about environmental issues and promotes responsible practices among users.

Building Layout
The layout of the center is organized into two levels, each with a specific purpose. The upper ground level contains spaces for public engagement, leisure activities, and educational programs. The lower ground level is dedicated to operational functions, focusing primarily on recycling activities that utilize local materials, such as timber and bird's down from the area around Lake Mývatn. This clear separation enhances operational efficiency while ensuring that visitor experiences remain a priority.

Material Utilization
A key feature of Lykkjuhús is the emphasis on locally sourced materials, especially timber. By prioritizing recycling and repurposing, the design showcases how architecture can reinforce ecological principles. The use of these materials connects the building to its environment, illustrating a commitment to sustainability while also encouraging a culture of reuse within the community.

Interaction with Landscape
The building's form adapts to the natural topography, allowing for varied elevations and providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful integration enhances the visitor experience. The landscaping around the building further supports this relationship, creating a natural flow between the built environment and the outdoor setting.

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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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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.

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