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Rainwater-Collecting Greenhouse in White Concrete Landscape

Authors:
Kiruban Punniyanathan, Daniel Dayupay, Alessio Puglisi, Nicolas Barberot
Rainwater-Collecting Greenhouse in White Concrete Landscape
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The integration of a rainwater collection system and a spacious greenhouse within a white concrete structure enhances sustainability while serving as a multipurpose facility near Myvatn Nature Baths.
5 key facts about this project
01
Prominent rainwater collection system to irrigate garden and greenhouse.
02
Integrated vegetable garden enhances the restaurant's fresh produce offerings.
03
Distinctive slit entrance creates framed views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Concrete construction chosen for durability and sustainability in harsh climate.
05
Interior promenade guides visitors through various functional spaces.

The design located in Iceland, near Myvatn Nature Baths, creates a connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The facility serves several purposes, including a multipurpose room, a vegetable garden integrated with a restaurant, and a greenhouse. The design concept centers around an interior promenade that guides visitors through these spaces, enhancing their experience and interaction with nature.

Design Flow

The layout establishes a clear pathway for visitors, starting at the entrance on the north side. This entrance is marked by a distinct slit that frames views of the outdoors. It is not just an entry point; it sets the tone for what lies ahead. Inside, the space promotes easy movement. Visitors can navigate from one area to another without confusion, enjoying the journey through the different sections.

Sustainability Focus

A key feature of the design is the connection between the restaurant and the vegetable garden. This integration highlights a commitment to sustainability. The garden provides fresh produce for meals and offers visitors a chance to engage with the process of growing food. This relationship between food cultivation and dining reflects an increasing awareness of ecological issues in architecture.

Materiality

Concrete serves as the primary material for this building. It is chosen for its strength and ability to handle Iceland's tough climate. The use of concrete can be seen throughout, offering stability to the structure and grounding it into the landscape. This choice also brings cohesion to the design, creating a unified look that fits well within its environment.

Unique Interaction

The design encourages visitors to engage with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Moving from the multipurpose room to the greenhouse becomes more than just a walk; it is an experience that connects people with nature. Large windows help in this interaction, framing views of the surrounding landscape. The architecture does not simply exist alongside nature; it invites visitors to take in the scenic beauty of the Icelandic terrain.

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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.

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

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