Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Harnessing Geothermal Energy with Cross-Laminated Timber in a Community Greenhouse

Authors:
Sara Maria Camagni, Eva Schwärzler, Carlheinz Christoph Von Geyso
Harnessing Geothermal Energy with Cross-Laminated Timber in a Community Greenhouse
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing cross-laminated timber and geothermal energy, the design creates a functional greenhouse and community hub that seamlessly integrates agriculture with its natural Icelandic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes geothermal energy to maintain optimal temperature levels for plant growth.
02
Features a bent A-frame construction that enhances structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation, minimizing water consumption.
04
Constructed using cross-laminated timber for durability and sustainability in harsh climates.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide both fire resistance and a distinctive visual texture.

"The Rise" is an architectural project located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, designed to serve as a greenhouse and community hub. The structure emphasizes sustainability and integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, aiming to foster an appreciation for agriculture while enhancing community engagement. The building employs a thoughtful combination of materials and design strategies to meet its functional requirements while adhering to environmental principles.

The primary functions of "The Rise" include agricultural production, dining, and community interaction. The design features a greenhouse at its core, allowing for diverse plant cultivation while promoting local food production. The open layout encourages visitors to explore both agricultural practices and social spaces, serving as an educational platform focused on sustainable living.

Architectural Design and Features

The architectural design incorporates multiple levels, with fluid circulation paths that connect various functional areas. The sloping roof is engineered for optimal rainwater drainage, which is then harnessed for irrigation in the greenhouse. The extensive use of glass in the greenhouse structure enhances natural lighting, creating an ideal environment for plant growth.

Key architectural features include:
- Cross-laminated timber (CLT) used in the structural framework, combining durability with eco-friendliness.
- Exposed timber beams that contribute to the aesthetic warmth of the interior, while allowing for high ceilings that amplify the sense of space.
- Aluminium portal frames that provide lightweight yet robust support for the greenhouse, ensuring a resilient structure that withstands Icelandic weather conditions.

Integration with Environment

"The Rise" is distinguished by its integration into the unique topography of the Myvatn region. The placement of greenhouses across varying elevations is intentional, maximizing sunlight exposure while minimizing visual disruption to the landscape. The architecture respects the natural contours, resulting in a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

The project employs geothermal energy to regulate temperatures within the growing spaces, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable practices. Rainwater collection systems reduce reliance on external water sources, promoting efficient irrigation practices.

Overall, "The Rise" represents a multifaceted approach to architecture, whereby agricultural production and community interaction are interwoven into the design. To better understand the architectural plans, sections, and overall design idea, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a closer examination of its innovative solutions and detailed design elements.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

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 17,725 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