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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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