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Geothermal-Centered Facility with Vertical Farming and Polycarbonate Light Integration

Author:
Jiajie Yuan
Geothermal-Centered Facility with Vertical Farming and Polycarbonate Light Integration
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Integrating vertical farming systems with polycarbonate elements, this geothermal facility enhances ecological sustainability while providing spaces for community engagement and therapeutic activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a geothermal energy system for sustainable climate control.
02
Features a vertical farming component to promote local agriculture year-round.
03
Utilizes polycarbonate panels for optimal natural light while minimizing heat loss.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency.
05
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and fire resistance.

The OASIS architectural project is an innovative multifunctional hub situated near Lake Mývatn, Iceland. This design integrates agricultural, recreational, and therapeutic elements into a cohesive structure that emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship. The OASIS serves as a community resource, providing spaces for local engagement while enhancing the ecological landscape of the geothermal area.

Functional Areas and Spatial Organization
The OASIS comprises three main functional areas: a multipurpose hall, a restaurant, and a vertical farming greenhouse. The multipurpose hall is designed to accommodate events and community activities, allowing for flexible configurations to meet various needs. The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table dining, connecting visitors to local agricultural practices through its integrated greenhouse. This area offers both culinary experiences and educational programming. The vertical farming section, an essential component of the project, enables year-round cultivation and highlights sustainable farming techniques. This design promotes an interactive relationship between visitors and agriculture, reinforcing the project's environmental ethos.

Sustainability and Materiality
The architectural approach prioritizes sustainability through careful material selection and design strategies. Key materials employed include wood for the structural framework, polycarbonate wall and roof panels for natural lighting, and concrete for stability. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are incorporated to utilize the natural geothermal energy characteristic of the region. The use of fiberglass insulation and waterproofing membranes ensures optimal energy efficiency and interior climate control. These choices reflect a commitment to minimizing the project's carbon footprint while enhancing user comfort.

Design Innovations and Community Engagement
Unique aspects of the OASIS project include its ecological integration and visual transparency. The arched structural form stabilizes temperature fluctuations while allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. Extensive glazing creates visual connections to the geothermal landscape, encouraging user engagement with their surroundings. The design approach emphasizes community interaction, with space allocated for workshops and events focused on sustainability and well-being. This promotes a stronger connection between the visitors and the local environment.

For those interested in exploring the details of the OASIS architectural project further, a review of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into its innovative features and functionality. The project's potential impact on community and ecological practices is a testament to thoughtful architectural design.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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