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Textured Concrete Walls Framing Community Spaces at Lake Myvatn

Authors:
Sze yik Lam, Yanni Gong, Shun lim william Mak, Kun york Ho
Textured Concrete Walls Framing Community Spaces at Lake Myvatn

Project in-detail

Textured concrete walls define a series of communal spaces at Lake Myvatn, enhancing visitor engagement while fostering connections through environmentally conscious design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete walls reflect the natural terrain, enhancing the relationship between structure and landscape.
02
The design incorporates a community bonfire area inspired by traditional Nordic longhouses.
03
A greenhouse/community park serves as a dual-purpose space for social gatherings and local events.
04
The layout features distinct public and private zones to enhance visitor experience.
05
Recycling management facilities are integrated into the design to promote sustainability.

The design, titled “Reveals the Ground: A Play with Contours,” is situated near Lake Myvatn, where the varied landscape informs every aspect of its form and function. The main goal is to connect visitors with the environment. By using elevation changes, the building offers broad views of the lake. The overall design brings together natural and constructed elements, enhancing visitors’ experiences through smart organization and community-focused spaces.

Site Plan

The site is organized into several important areas, including a main entrance, various viewing points, and clear pathways for movement. This careful arrangement allows visitors to navigate effortlessly. Separating public and private spaces helps maintain visitor comfort and encourages social interaction. Features such as the community hall and the large object exchange promote connections and bring local culture to life.

Ground Floor Design

The ground floor includes an information counter that serves as the first contact point for visitors. Nearby, the bonfire area reflects the design of traditional Nordic longhouses. This space encourages warmth and social gatherings. A recycling management room and a collection point demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, showing an awareness of environmental responsibility woven into the design.

First Floor Features

On the first floor, a mix of functional and creative spaces are provided. The flea market and small object exchange aim to boost local commerce while promoting community involvement. The workshop and community meeting room offer spaces for collaboration and education. An exhibition area, bordered by striking blade walls, retains the natural slope of the hill and showcases the terrain's profile. This feature invites visitors to engage closely with the landscape.

Design Details

Textured concrete is used for the blade walls, reflecting the rocky slopes in the area. This material choice enhances the design's visual quality and strengthens the relationship between the built form and the surrounding environment. Additionally, the greenhouse community park serves as a gathering area for locals, encouraging informal meetings and reinforcing the project’s focus on fostering community connections.

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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

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competition now

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