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Experiencing Nature Through Ribbon Windows and Interactive Greenhouse Spaces

Authors:
Ewa Serafińska, Hanna Pacyno
Experiencing Nature Through Ribbon Windows and Interactive Greenhouse Spaces
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Generous ribbon windows frame the stunning Icelandic landscape while an interactive greenhouse invites guests to engage in a farm-to-table dining experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Generous ribbon windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
The design includes two distinct growing zones for food production and attractions.
03
Guests can select fresh ingredients directly from the greenhouse for meals.
04
The overall form of the complex is organic, promoting natural interaction.
05
An upper level enhances accessibility and engagement within the space.

The design focuses on establishing a strong connection with the natural landscape of Iceland. With a function that promotes interaction and engagement, it utilizes large ribbon windows that offer views of significant features in the area, including Hverfjall and the nature baths at Mývatn. The overall concept encourages occupants to experience nature while also providing spaces for relaxation and food production.

Window Design and Light Integration

Generous ribbon windows are a key element in the design, allowing for expansive views of the landscape. These windows transition from vertical to horizontal, bringing in ample natural light throughout the day. As sunlight moves, it casts changing patterns across the interior, creating a lively atmosphere. This feature enhances the experience of living in the space, especially when it comes to observing the Northern Lights.

Growing Zones

Two distinct growing zones exist within the design, each serving a specific role. The first zone is dedicated to food production and is strategically positioned to allow for future growth. This layout reflects a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency, ensuring that local resources can be fully utilized. The second zone is designed to enhance attractions for guests, creating a closer relationship between visitors and the natural world.

Functional Layout

The building has an organic form with interconnected spaces that encourage interaction among occupants. The arrangement places the restaurant right next to the greenhouse, allowing guests to observe plant growth and choose fresh ingredients for their meals. This setup supports a farm-to-table philosophy, making the dining experience more engaging.

Guest Experience

An upper level provides additional areas for guests to explore, enhancing the overall functionality of the design. This careful organization of spaces ensures that everyone can connect meaningfully with their surroundings. Features like the large windows and proximity of the greenhouse create an environment where architecture and nature influence one another, highlighting the essence of the Icelandic landscape.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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