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Oval Platforms Crafted with Concrete and Wood in a Culinary Experience Center

Authors:
Paula Lavarello, Raul Banda, Lucía Romanato, Milagros Ucha
Oval Platforms Crafted with Concrete and Wood in a Culinary Experience Center
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Constructed with a series of oval platforms in concrete and wood, the culinary center integrates a greenhouse and outdoor spaces to create a unique dining experience that emphasizes local agriculture and the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with five oval platforms that optimize views of the Icelandic landscape.
02
The greenhouse is designed for visibility, allowing guests to learn about local food cultivation.
03
Incorporates underfloor heating sourced from local hot springs for energy efficiency.
04
Outdoor fireplaces enhance the usability of the terrace across different seasons.
05
Terrazzo flooring provides a durable surface suitable for high foot traffic areas.

Growal is designed to provide a culinary experience while connecting with the natural beauty of Iceland. Located in a landscape rich with scenic views, the design utilizes five oval platforms. Each platform serves specific purposes, enhancing interaction among visitors and creating a fluid relationship between the building and the environment.

Design Concept

The main platform functions as a restaurant, featuring a layout that is adaptable for different uses. This flexibility allows the space to host various gatherings and dining experiences, all while offering expansive views of the outdoors. The second oval serves as a pathway, linking the restaurant to a greenhouse. By incorporating a greenhouse, the design promotes transparency and encourages visitors to learn about the process of food growth from cultivation to consumption.

Spatial Arrangement

In addition to the restaurant and greenhouse, the design includes a terrace and a promenade, which serve as outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. The terrace offers a place for visitors to relax and take in the natural surroundings. Meanwhile, the promenade allows for easy movement between different areas. Fireplaces added throughout these outdoor spaces create a warm atmosphere that enhances usability throughout the year.

Materiality

The project employs a carefully chosen selection of materials that work well with its function and setting. Concrete is used for its strength and reliability, while wood sections add warmth and character to the interior spaces. Glass facades foster connections with the outside, allowing light to fill the interior. Metallic features introduce a contemporary look, and the use of terrazzo flooring ensures durability for areas with heavy foot traffic.

Natural Integration

Attention to detail enhances the project's ability to capture the essence of the Icelandic landscape. Visitors experience this connection as they move between the platforms, engaging with thoughtfully designed areas that promote interaction with the environment. The overall design encourages appreciation for both the culinary experience and the surrounding natural beauty, creating a unique setting for enjoyment and discovery.

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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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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.

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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

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