Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Three-Dimensional Community Space Integrating Recycled Materials and Natural Landscape

Author:
Dongmin Lee
Three-Dimensional Community Space Integrating Recycled Materials and Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with a focus on recycled materials, the design integrates varying floor heights to create a three-dimensional community space that responds to the natural landscape while serving diverse functions for local residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates recycled materials for sustainability.
02
Features varying floor heights for dynamic interiors.
03
Designed as a band configuration to enhance community interaction.
04
Incorporates natural topography into the layout.
05
Provides panoramic views of Lake Myvatn.

The Myvatn Band Station is a community-oriented space situated in Iceland's distinctive landscape. It focuses on sustainability and aims to facilitate various functions including public rooms, children's areas, and office spaces. The design is built around a band configuration that separates the building into two main sections while encouraging interaction and movement throughout the site.

Design Concept

The concept behind the Myvatn Band Station is rooted in creating an inclusive community space. The structure is organized in a manner that forms a central pathway, connecting two distinct divisions of the building. This layout promotes easy movement between areas while maintaining privacy where needed. By responding to the natural terrain, the design enhances overall accessibility and integrates with the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

The various programs within the station are designed to meet community needs. Multi-purpose rooms, child-friendly spaces, and office environments all contribute to the overall functionality. An important design feature is the separation of the auditorium from the lecture rooms through a specific band space in the southern section. This thoughtful arrangement supports diverse activities within the building, allowing for multiple uses.

Material Choices

Materials play a significant role in this design. The Myvatn Band Station incorporates recycled materials and wood for its architectural panels. This choice helps minimize environmental impact while also connecting the building to its natural surroundings. Such material usage aligns with the principles of sustainable design and reinforces the commitment to using resources responsibly.

Room Configuration

Inside, the room units have varying floor heights, creating a three-dimensional experience. This layout enables spacious living and working areas, all arranged around essential functions such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. The design is intended to be flexible, accommodating the changing needs of community members.

At the upper level, a room offers expansive views of Lake Myvatn. This connection to the natural landscape engages users and invites them to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy