Architectural Design Portfolio
2025 Winter/ Team Project
International Architecture Competition
by Design-Unlimited(DU)
Keywords Integration with Nature, Community Engagement, Functionality, Sustainability
Location
Kársnes Kópavogur, Iceland
Program
Renewable Energy Research Center
“RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER OF ICELAND”
Iceland is renowned for its utilization of geothermal energy and its strong commitment to renewable resources. This project involves designing a state-of-the-art Renewable Energy Research Center in Reykjavik. The center will serve as a hub for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.
The facility aims to not only drive technological advancements but also to demonstrate and educate the public about sustainable energy solutions. It will feature interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives to engage visitors and promote awareness. Architecturally, the building should be a symbol of progress, reflecting the natural beauty of Iceland's landscapes—such as its volcanic formations, glaciers, and coastal vistas.
The design should incorporate sustainable materials and strategies to shoot for a net-zero energy consumption building. By utilizing renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, and wind power, the building will exemplify environmental stewardship. It should seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, minimizing ecological impact while standing resilient against Iceland's harsh weather conditions. The center will not only be a place of research and learning but also an iconic landmark representing Iceland's commitment to a sustainable future.
1. ICONIC ARCHITECTURE
Create an architectural landmark that represents Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy, featuring bold and innovative design elements that highlight its waterfront location and establish a distinctive silhouette against the backdrop of the sea.
2. FUNCTIONALITY
Provide efficient and flexible research spaces that promote collaboration among scientists and researchers, facilitating interdisciplinary work and fostering innovation in renewable energy
technologies while meeting the practical needs of all users.
3. INTEGRATION WITH NATURE
The design should incorporate natural elements and consider the impact on local ecosystems, seamlessly integrating the waterfront into the project. By embracing the coastline, the design enhances the natural beauty of the site and creates a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding land and
sea.
4. SUSTAINABILITY
The building should shoot for net-zero energy consumption through innovative design, utilizing renewable energy sources and energy-efficient systems to minimize its environmental footprint.
5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Spaces need to encourage community involvement and raise awareness about renewable energy and sustainability. It should also serve as a hub
for environmental education, hosting workshops, lectures, and events that engage and inspire the public.
6. RESILIENCE
The project should be built to withstand Iceland’s harsh weather conditions, ensuring durability and safety while maintaining operational integrity throughout all seasons.
To achieve a smooth blending of nature and architecture, we utilize the conceptual language of “Inflow” and the formal element of “Courtyard.” First, we use active gestures to bring the surrounding natural environment into the site, thereby securing eco-friendly benefits. By linking this with the central courtyard, we create a space where users can experience nature more actively, thereby maximizing the relationship between nature and people.
Due to the layout of the intrusive nature, users can enjoy nature by directly stepping on and touching it up close, rather than observing it from a distance. The intrusive nature provides an environment where the building itself can produce eco-friendly energy by utilizing water and geothermal heat. In addition, the green space shows efficient functionality in terms of rainwater treatment and carbon dioxide reduction.
The courtyard emphasizes the central water and green space, while also improving the quality of the interior and exterior spaces of the building by emptying out the thick volume. It allows cross-ventilation inside and sunlight to penetrate evenly and deeply into the interior, providing the advantage of natural lighting. Removed low-rise masses minimize the building area directly in contact with the ground, sufficiently protecting the natural environment. In addition, it increases the surface area so that nature can be felt on the side facing the courtyard. The gazes of people cross through the openings facing the courtyard in each program. Through this, changes in activities inside and outside can be felt simultaneously, and new relationships are created.
The interior of the building has a dynamic block shape, while the exterior of the building has a calm strip shape. Three block module units are created and arranged considering the connection between programs, direction, and movement lines. In addition, the blocks are randomly arranged to create terraces and vertically expand the natural and friendly space. Afterwards, a strip-shaped mass is placed on the upper floor to connect the hexahedral modules. This creates a circular corridor movement line and at the same time calmly neutralizes the dynamic exterior so as not to harm the visual flow of the city.
The library and exhibition halls are located on the first floor, providing public functions for users, encouraging community involvement and raising awareness of renewable energy and sustainability. Programs are arranged in a way that allows for a flexible research environment. The rooftop terrace allows researchers to relax in nature.
It is designed as a zero-energy building that directly utilizes renewable energy. It has solar panels, a water collection and purification facility for rainwater recycling based on high rainfall, wind power generators, and geothermal heat utilization facilities for hot water. The courtyard and green roof reduce the high humidity near the sea and prevent the heat island effect in the building. Finally, the louvered façade controls the solar radiation without being closed.
Plan Isometric