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Heat-Retaining Greenhouse with Elevated Walkway and Community Space

Author:
Rithika Ramachandran
Heat-Retaining Greenhouse with Elevated Walkway and Community Space
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Constructed with heat-retaining materials and designed with an elevated walkway, the facility integrates greenhouse functions with a multipurpose community space to enhance local engagement and commerce.
5 key facts about this project
01
Heat-retaining materials optimize energy efficiency for greenhouse functions.
02
An elevated walkway enhances accessibility and community interaction.
03
Design responds to the site's unique topography for fluid circulation.
04
Multipurpose hall accommodates various community activities and events.
05
Large glass surfaces maximize natural light and connect indoor spaces to the landscape.

The design for Vogafjós is set in Iceland, a country known for its striking landscapes and varied climate. The project serves as a community hub, combining greenhouse functions with various multifunctional spaces. The concept focuses on creating a relationship between the constructed environment and nature, emphasizing sustainability and encouraging community engagement throughout its design.

Design Considerations

Key elements include an elevated walkway and a community exhibition space that enhance accessibility and foster interaction among visitors and local residents. A dedicated loading and off-loading area supports the movement of goods to and from the site, while a multipurpose hall allows for community events and gatherings. These features ensure a blend of functionality and accessibility, catering to the needs of an active community.

Functional Program

The layout includes various spaces, such as a greenhouse attached to a restaurant, a special dining area, and an exhibition corridor that provides views of the surrounding environment. There is also a shop for local produce and facilities for kitchen and storage, promoting local commerce. This combination of functions creates opportunities for community interaction and engagement, making the space dynamic and inviting.

Structural and Material Considerations

Though specific materials are not heavily discussed, the design focuses on integrating heat-retaining materials within the greenhouse to improve energy efficiency. This approach aligns with the ecological principles found in Icelandic architecture, where sustainability is a priority. Structures are built to endure the wet and windy climate, ensuring durability as well as functionality.

The design promotes social interactions by providing spaces that encourage involvement from local proprietors and residents. With a projected total area of about 2500 square meters and a seating capacity for 120-150 people, the planning emphasizes a careful balance between usability and visual appeal.

Large glass surfaces allow natural light to fill the space, enhancing the greenhouse environment. This design choice brings the outside in, creating an atmosphere that feels open and connected to the surrounding landscape.

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

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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