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Terraced Greenhouses Embracing Nature with Timber and Concrete

Author:
Malin Persson
Terraced Greenhouses Embracing Nature with Timber and Concrete
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Terraced floor levels maximize natural light and enhance landscape integration in a series of functional greenhouses designed for dining and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terraced floor levels enhance user experience and spatial dynamics.
02
Orientation maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Flexible layouts accommodate diverse community activities and functions.
04
Integration of timber and concrete reflects a commitment to sustainability.
05
Open spaces promote interaction between cultivation and social areas.

The "Green Fingers" project integrates three greenhouses into a carefully considered landscape. Located in an area with varied topography, the design emphasizes a connection with nature, enabling the structures to engage with their surroundings while supporting multiple community roles. The concept focuses on blending cultivation and communal spaces for a richer experience of both nature and social interaction.

Placement and Orientation

The greenhouses are positioned at different angles to maximize sunlight and interact with the landscape. Each structure takes advantage of the location, creating various spatial experiences. The design follows the natural slope, leading to different floor heights that give a sense of openness inside. As visitors move through the greenhouses, they encounter a flow between the different functional spaces without barriers to restrict their movement.

Functionality and Community Engagement

Each greenhouse has a specific purpose designed to encourage community use. Greenhouse A functions as a restaurant, connecting dining experiences to the cultivation of food. Greenhouse B is set aside for conferences and meetings, offering a calm environment for discussions. Greenhouse C serves as a multipurpose area that can adapt to different community needs, enhancing the overall flexibility of the project and encouraging various activities and uses.

Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

In terms of materials, timber and concrete play key roles in the design. Timber brings warmth to the interiors, supporting the vision of blending with the natural environment. Concrete offers durability, ensuring the structures can endure the elements while remaining functional. This choice of materials reflects an intention to create an inviting space that balances practicality with an appreciation for nature.

Design Details

An important aspect of the design is the emphasis on open spaces that allow users to engage with the greenery. By avoiding rigid divisions between cultivation and social areas, the project supports a holistic experience that promotes well-being. Visitors are encouraged to connect with both nature and community in a setting that fosters ecological awareness and interaction. The overall approach illustrates a commitment to designing spaces that serve both people and the environment.

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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.

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