Team of 2–6 · Scale model, display, and portfolio

Construction Challenge

You will design a community greenhouse and garden for a narrow city site.

You plan the site.You build a scale model.You document the construction proposal.

What you make or do

Build a student-constructed scale model or prototype and a display showing your proposed greenhouse and garden.
Prepare a printed portfolio with a design brief, sketches, technical drawings, material choices and list, relevant standards, references, and work log.

This year’s challenge

Design an urban community greenhouse and garden within a 25-by-100-foot site for 20–30 people at once. Include at least two sustainable architectural or engineering practices.

How the competition works

Before the event

Research the current challenge, develop your construction proposal, and build its scale model and display. Document how your design meets the required constraints.

First round

Bring the model, display, and portfolio. Judges assess the model and display first, followed by the portfolios of the highest-ranking entries.

If you advance

Two to four team representatives give a seven-minute presentation and answer questions for three minutes.

Know before you choose: The competition requires a model and documented construction plan. Your entry must also include a display; the full-size greenhouse is not the object you bring to judging.

How your work is scored

Judges assess model and display craftsmanship, the design brief, drawings, justified material choices, standards, work log, and your presentation and interview.

Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)

Open the scoring pages within the full event guide

Read the full 2027 theme or preparation information

Theme: Your team has been tasked to design an urban community greenhouse and garden appropriate for a densely populated city neighborhood. The facility must fit entirely within a narrow 25 ft by 100 ft footprint and safely accommodate 20-30 community members simultaneously. The design must leverage at least two sustainable architectural or engineering practices. Describe the specific practices and design choices made to build the greenhouse within these constraints.

Check official rule updates

PRECONFERENCE

E. Should reference General Rule D.10.b.

pp. 116

The obsolete playground theme was excluded. Use the 2027 greenhouse theme in this folder.

Official files to keep

Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.

Guide evidence: 115–122. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.

Interested in this event?

Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.

Start my competition notes