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Geothermal Greenhouse with Larch Cladding and Community-Focused Spaces

Author:
Patrycja Ziemienowicz
Geothermal Greenhouse with Larch Cladding and Community-Focused Spaces
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Utilizing geothermal energy and larch cladding, the facility integrates fresh organic produce cultivation with educational and community spaces to promote sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local geothermal resources for heating and energy.
02
Features a farm-to-table restaurant designed for over 100 guests.
03
Incorporates a variety of spaces for yoga and educational workshops.
04
Supports a closed aquaponic system that minimizes resource use.
05
Constructed with larch cladding to enhance thermal performance.

The design features a greenhouse and related facilities focused on sustainable food production while fostering community involvement. Set in Iceland, an area known for its harsh climate and rich geothermal resources, the structure aims to create a space that connects visitors with nature. The overall design encourages interaction between agriculture and educational pursuits, emphasizing the importance of fresh food.

SITING AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION

The greenhouse is carefully positioned to take full advantage of the breathtaking Icelandic landscape, offering views of notable features such as the Mývatn nature baths and Hverfjall volcano. This placement enhances the experience for anyone using the facility. The design creates opportunities for light to filter through, allowing the inside and outside to merge in a meaningful way.

FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT AND COMMUNITY FOCUS

The layout promotes a farm-to-table concept with areas designed for growing, dining, and learning. The greenhouse plays a central role, facilitating the growth and preparation of organic produce right before visitors' eyes. The facility includes a restaurant that can accommodate over 100 guests, an organic market, and flexible spaces for yoga classes, workshops, and discussions. This arrangement encourages community engagement and supports initiatives that focus on health and wellness.

SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. It uses renewable geothermal energy and incorporates advanced farming practices like aquaponics and vertical farming. These features allow the facility to create a self-sufficient ecosystem that minimizes the need for outside resources. The greenhouse's heating system utilizes geothermal hot water, providing ideal conditions for plants and nurturing diverse forms of life.

MATERIALS AND STRUCTURAL DETAILS

The materials chosen for the greenhouse are selected with environmental impact in mind. Larch wood is used for cladding, while locally sourced concrete provides stability in the foundations. The walls are supported by a glulam wooden frame, and large glass panels allow natural light to pour in, essential for plant growth. Together, these components create a structure that is functional while remaining visually appealing.

In the greenhouse, fish like brown or golden trout are raised alongside vegetables, enhancing the project’s focus on promoting awareness about sustainable food practices. This arrangement highlights the relationship between people and the ecosystems that sustain them.

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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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