Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Biophilic Design Featuring Cor-Ten Steel and Sustainable Timber for Community Engagement

Author:
择敏 严
Biophilic Design Featuring Cor-Ten Steel and Sustainable Timber for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Incorporating Cor-Ten steel with sustainable timber, the design creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor agricultural spaces, fostering community engagement through experiential learning and direct interaction with food production.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates Cor-Ten steel to enhance durability while providing a naturally weathered aesthetic.
02
Sustainable timber features prominently, reinforcing the project's commitment to eco-friendly materials.
03
The greenhouse employs a multi-layered planting technique to maximize growing space and productivity.
04
Geothermal energy systems are integrated to reduce the building's carbon footprint and operational costs.
05
Community-focused workshops and cooking classes foster hands-on learning about agriculture and sustainability.
The Nature Station is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that embodies a strong commitment to reconnecting individuals with the essence of agriculture and the environment. This project represents a fusion of modern architectural principles with sustainable practices, aimed at providing essential functions that serve both educational and community needs. Located in a carefully selected geographic context, the Nature Station acts as a hub where urban life intersects with agricultural experience, facilitating a dialogue about sustainability and food systems.

At its core, the Nature Station aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation for agriculture through immersive experiences. The building serves multiple functions, primarily focusing on education, community engagement, and hands-on agricultural activities. It is designed to house a greenhouse, culinary spaces, communal areas, and exhibition facilities, all of which encourage active participation and learning. Visitors can explore the integration of farming practices into daily life, thereby enhancing their understanding of the food they consume and the environmental impacts of these processes.

The architecture of the Nature Station is characterized by its harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape. The design embraces organic shapes that reflect the natural terrain, promoting an unobtrusive presence. This layout encourages users to navigate the space fluidly, offering opportunities for both solitary reflection and communal interaction. The arrangement of various functional areas demonstrates an intuitive flow, ensuring that users can easily transition between learning, tending to plants, and enjoying meals prepared from their harvest.

Key components of the Nature Station include a greenhouse that serves as the primary center for cultivation. This space employs a multi-layered planting technique to optimize the utilization of available resources, illustrating a practical approach to modern farming. The connection between the greenhouse and the kitchen emphasizes the importance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in meal preparation. By situating these spaces in close proximity, the design fosters a tangible link between agriculture and culinary practices.

The kitchen and dining facilities take advantage of large windows that frame views of the outer landscape, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The use of sustainable timber for interior finishes adds warmth, making these communal spaces comfortable for gatherings, workshops, and educational sessions. Visitors have the opportunity to partake in hands-on cooking classes and shared meals, reinforcing the project's commitment to building community ties through food and education.

In addition to agricultural and culinary spaces, the Nature Station also includes exhibition areas designed to showcase sustainable practices and innovations. These spaces allow for interactive displays and workshops that engage visitors with the latest advancements in environmental stewardship and agronomy. By serving as both a learning center and a community hub, the Nature Station fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among its users.

The materiality of the project is thoughtfully considered, with an emphasis on durability and ecological integrity. Reinforced concrete provides the structural foundation, ensuring longevity and stability. Large glass panels facilitate an abundance of natural light, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The use of Cor-Ten steel for exterior cladding mimics natural elements while offering resistance to weathering, enhancing the building's overall coherence with its surroundings.

One unique aspect of the Nature Station is its focus on sustainability beyond conventional measures. The design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems and geothermal energy solutions, demonstrating an integrated approach to environmental consciousness. These features not only reduce the ecological footprint of the building but also serve as educational tools for visitors, emphasizing the importance of resource management in agricultural practices.

The Nature Station stands as a testament to modern architectural design's potential to address contemporary societal needs while emphasizing the critical relationship between urban living and agricultural sustainability. Its design approaches, rooted in ecological awareness and community engagement, encourage a deeper connection between individuals and the environment. To explore this project further, readers are invited to look into the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the thoughtful considerations that shaped this remarkable architectural endeavor.
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