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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 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.

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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