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Woven Ribbon Structure Enhancing Sustainable Greenhouse Functionality

Authors:
Mwanaa Brown, Anders Bjerregaard-andersen, Becky Xu, Nasra Nimaga
Woven Ribbon Structure Enhancing Sustainable Greenhouse Functionality
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The use of a woven ribbon structure creates a dynamic integration of greenhouses and multipurpose spaces, enhancing community engagement while promoting sustainable culinary practices in Grimsstadir, Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Woven ribbon structure enhances spatial interaction.
02
Geothermal energy integration for sustainable heating.
03
Flexible space arrangement supports diverse functions.
04
Local vegetation enhances biodiversity within the design.
05
Dynamic elevation transitions create microclimates.

The culinary research hub sits in the scenic landscape of Grimsstadir, Iceland. It serves various functions, including spaces for dining, education, and community activities. The design focuses on spreading these activities throughout the site rather than keeping them in one place. This encourages interaction among users and creates a lively atmosphere.

Structural Innovation
A central feature of the design is a "woven ribbon" that connects different spaces in a creative way. This ribbon meets the ground to form greenhouses or outdoor areas, while sections that rise above create roofs for various functions. The unique shape enhances both the usability of the space and its appearance, allowing for diverse experiences throughout the hub.

Sustainability and Environment
Sustainability plays a key role in the design, especially in terms of using Iceland's geothermal energy. The layout is planned to maximize energy efficiency and thermal comfort, employing methods like passive solar heating. Local vegetation types, including moss heath, grasslands, wetlands, and birch woodlands, are integrated into the surroundings, supporting biodiversity and promoting an ecological balance.

Programmatic Flexibility
The hub includes distinct areas for administration, classrooms, events, kitchens, and dining, all arranged to promote interaction and community involvement. This flexible layout provides clear pathways and encourages engagement among users. Each space can function on its own while still contributing to an overall cohesive experience, blending learning and leisure activities.

The design reflects its geographical context and promotes a sense of community. It creates an inviting place that fosters connections among people while serving educational purposes in a functional, enjoyable environment.

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

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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