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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
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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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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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