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Raw Stone and Glass Greenhouse Amidst Natural Fissures

Authors:
Camila Meza Gálvez, Alonso Gaete, Benjamín Saldaño, Felipe Mondaca
Raw Stone and Glass Greenhouse Amidst Natural Fissures
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Set within a natural fissure, a greenhouse constructed from raw stone and glass serves as a sustainable restaurant that immerses diners in a unique outdoor experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Set within a natural fissure, enhancing the site’s geological features.
02
The greenhouse structure uses glass to maximize natural light and visibility.
03
Local stone materials create direct connections to the surrounding landscape.
04
Rainwater collection systems support the restaurant’s irrigation needs.
05
Microclimates within the greenhouse promote diverse vegetation growth.

The Meso-Atlantic Greenhouse Restaurant is designed to connect with its natural surroundings. Located in a landscape marked by a fissure, the building invites visitors to travel through different levels. The design focuses on sustainability and creating a meaningful experience, taking guests on a journey from underground depths to a lively garden above.

Construction Approach

The layout of the restaurant plays an important role in shaping the visitor experience. From an underground entrance, guests are welcomed into a moment of intimacy before ascending to views of expansive gardens. This spatial arrangement creates a balance between private and social spaces, allowing for varied types of interaction.

Materiality

Materials are carefully selected to enhance the restaurant's relationship with its environment. The use of raw, exposed, and uneven stone provides a direct connection to the landscape, while local concrete ensures that the construction aligns visually with its surroundings. Glass is prominently featured in the greenhouse, allowing natural light to fill the interior space and connect diners with the outdoor environment.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is a key principle woven into the design. The greenhouse not only supports thriving vegetation but also helps regulate temperature, creating ideal microclimates for growth. Rainwater is collected centrally to sustain irrigation, reducing the need for external water sources and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Light and shadow play a vital role in the overall experience. These elements interact dynamically within the dining area, guiding visitors through a rich sensory journey. The spaces provide a dialogue with the landscape, enhancing the sense of connection between building and nature.

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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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