Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Turf-Covered Community Center Featuring Local Timber and Eco-Friendly Design Elements

Author:
Amelie Stephan
Turf-Covered Community Center Featuring Local Timber and Eco-Friendly Design Elements

Project in-detail

Nestled within the Mývatn landscape, a community center harmonizes traditional turf roofing with sustainable timber construction, creating a welcoming space for local gatherings and activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates a turf-covered roof that enhances insulation and blends with the natural landscape.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for increased structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features large glass windows that provide panoramic views while maximizing natural light.
04
Includes a central community garden designed to promote local biodiversity and agriculture.
05
Employs a modular interior layout, allowing spaces to be easily adapted for various events and activities.
The Mývatn Community Turf House is an architectural project that embodies a thoughtful integration of design, environment, and community function. Situated in the scenic region of Mývatn, Iceland, this community center serves as a multifunctional space aimed at fostering interaction among residents while paying homage to the traditional Icelandic turf houses that have characterized local architecture for centuries.

This community facility represents more than just a building; it is a space designed to nurture community ties through shared activities and experiences. The architecture is centered on the concept of sustainability, reflecting an awareness of the environmental context and a commitment to preserving the regional landscape. The structure seamlessly blends into the surrounding terrain, utilizing a partially submerged design that minimizes visual disruption and enhances thermal performance against the often harsh Icelandic climate.

Key components of the Mývatn Community Turf House include a central community garden, which serves as a gathering point for residents and displays agricultural practices. This garden not only promotes local biodiversity but also provides a space for social interaction. The building's layout prioritizes accessibility and flow, allowing for intuitive circulation through various multifunctional areas. Spaces within the center include meeting rooms, recreational areas, and event spaces, all designed to accommodate a range of community activities.

One of the essential aspects of the design is its use of sustainable materials. The structure predominantly features wood sourced from local timber, providing warmth and complementing the natural aesthetic of the surroundings. Large glass panels integrate into the façade, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces while offering stunning views of the landscape. The roof and wall sections covered in turf reinforce the building's ecological credentials by providing insulation and allowing for local vegetation to thrive. Additionally, a robust steel framework underpins the structure, allowing for expansive interior spaces free from intrusive supports.

The Mývatn Community Turf House incorporates several unique design approaches that set it apart from conventional community centers. The integration of a green roof not only enhances insulation but also contributes to local flora and fauna, reinforcing the idea of architecture as part of the ecosystem. The modular layout of the interior spaces is another notable feature. This flexibility supports various functions, enabling rooms to be reconfigured as needed for different community events or gatherings, thus maximizing the building's utility.

Moreover, the project emphasizes sustainable waste management practices through an intelligent design that facilitates organic waste collection. This innovation aligns with the overall ethos of sustainability, encouraging environmentally conscious behavior within the community.

Overall, the Mývatn Community Turf House exemplifies a cohesive blend of architecture and environment, reflecting the cultural heritage of Iceland while catering effectively to the evolving needs of its community. The project stands as a model of how modern architectural design can honor tradition while innovatively addressing contemporary functional requirements. For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this project, including insights into its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, exploring further details of the Mývatn Community Turf House is highly encouraged.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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