Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Volcanic Stone and Glasshouse Synergy in Community-Centric Agricultural Space

Author:
Karlie Nguyen
Volcanic Stone and Glasshouse Synergy in Community-Centric Agricultural Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic stone and expansive glass facades, the design seamlessly merges agricultural functionality with community engagement, creating a vibrant hub for local food production and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The greenhouse utilizes geothermal energy for efficient climate control throughout the year.
02
Expansive glass facades allow for optimal sunlight penetration, enhancing plant growth and showcasing the internal environment.
03
Constructed with local volcanic stone, the design harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape.
04
A multipurpose hall enhances community engagement, offering educational and social opportunities within the agricultural setting.
05
The project incorporates innovative rainwater harvesting techniques to support irrigation and reduce environmental impact.
The project presented is an exemplary architectural design that embodies a harmonious relationship between built structures and the surrounding environment. This design focuses on a greenhouse complex that not only serves practical agricultural functions but also serves as a social hub, promoting community interaction and sustainability. The integration of natural elements and modern architecture reflects a thoughtful approach to contemporary design challenges in agriculture.

The greenhouse serves as the heart of the project, where diverse crops can thrive under optimized conditions. The design leverages glass as a primary material to maximize natural light, which is essential for plant growth. This transparency fosters a connection between the indoor agricultural activities and the external environment, allowing visitors to appreciate the process of cultivation firsthand. The structure is strategically oriented to capture sunlight throughout the day, ensuring that it operates efficiently across all seasons. Accompanying the greenhouse is a multipurpose hall designed for gatherings and community events. This space enhances the project’s social dimension, encouraging collaboration and engagement among visitors and local residents.

A well-considered kitchen is positioned adjacent to the greenhouse, facilitating a farm-to-table experience that embodies modern culinary practices. By utilizing fresh produce from the greenhouse, the kitchen not only serves nutritious dishes but also promotes awareness of sustainable food practices. The convenience of having these facilities in close proximity creates an educational opportunity for visitors to understand the importance of local agriculture.

The entrance pathway leading to the complex is designed to immerse visitors in the landscape, emphasizing a respectful engagement with nature. This circulation space is pivotal in shaping the visitor experience, guiding them from the outside world into the carefully curated environment within the project. Given the context of the surrounding volcanic landscape, the architecture takes on characteristics that resonate with its natural environment, balancing aesthetics with functionality.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout this project, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and resilience. The choice of materials, including concrete and aluminum, reflects an understanding of durability while maintaining a contemporary visual appeal. Concrete is employed in the construction of various utility spaces, providing a stable foundation and contrasting with the delicacy of the glass structures. Aluminum takes on the role of structural support, highlighting a modern sensibility without sacrificing strength.

Geothermal energy is an integral aspect of the design, making it a model for an environmentally conscious building that aligns with sustainable practices. The project highlights the potential of integrating renewable energy sources in agricultural architecture, which not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the ecological footprint.

The thoughtful incorporation of multipurpose spaces illustrates a forward-thinking approach to design. This adaptability is key in addressing the evolving needs of the community, allowing the project to accommodate various functions over time. Such flexibility emphasizes the relevance of the building as a community resource well beyond its initial agricultural intention.

In summary, this architectural project serves as a thoughtful response to the challenges of modern agriculture and community needs. By combining practical functions with aesthetic considerations, the design embodies a vision of sustainability that resonates with contemporary architectural discourse. Readers interested in architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas are encouraged to explore the project presentation further for a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in its development. This exploration will provide valuable insights into how architecture can effectively integrate with and enhance agricultural practices within a community context.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy