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Resilient Greenhouse Courtyard Integrating Local Agriculture

Author:
Wasaa Architects
Resilient Greenhouse Courtyard Integrating Local Agriculture
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A series of interconnected greenhouses create a resilient courtyard that fosters local agriculture while providing a unique farm-to-table dining experience in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
An integrated courtyard encourages community engagement in agricultural practices.
02
Greenhouses encircle the courtyard, promoting year-round local food production.
03
The design follows the natural slope of the landscape, enhancing connectivity with the site.
04
Sustainable practices are emphasized throughout the layout, reflecting ecological sensitivity.
05
The arrangement prioritizes intimate experiences between diners and the surrounding nature.

The project is set in the distinctive landscape of Iceland, characterized by volcanic formations and geothermal features. It emphasizes a strong connection to the earth and focuses on sustainable practices through agriculture. The design integrates with the surrounding terrain, creating a balanced relationship between the built environment and nature. Key functions include greenhouses, a kitchen, and a restaurant that together highlight the theme of farm-to-table dining.

Design Concept

With inspiration drawn from Iceland's natural geological features, the design explores the powerful elements that shape the landscape. The building is designed to stay low, following the natural curves of the land. This decision reinforces the idea that architecture should exist in harmony with its environment, promoting a sense of belonging within the landscape.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout invites visitors on a journey through the space. As guests enter, they are guided to descend towards the restaurant, mirroring the slope of the terrain. This descent provides an engaging experience that physically connects people to the earth. The arrangement encourages interaction with the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall experience of dining in this unique location.

Courtyard and Greenhouses

A central feature is the courtyard, which serves as a gathering space that brings the landscape inward. Surrounded by greenhouses, this area emphasizes the importance of agriculture in the design. The greenhouses not only serve a practical purpose by growing local produce but also embody the resilience of nature. They reflect the ability to cultivate life, even through the harshness of Icelandic winter.

Materiality

Specific materials are not mentioned in the presentation text, suggesting an emphasis on sustainability and environmental coherence. This openness allows for different interpretations of how to construct the building. The focus remains on creating a design that resonates with the landscape while ensuring functionality and aesthetic quality.

The project creates a setting where indoor and outdoor spaces merge, encouraging visitors to connect with the Icelandic landscape and appreciate the local agricultural bounty.

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

`
Competition organisers

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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