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Basalt-Inspired Structure with Glass Roof Emphasizes Panoramic Views

Authors:
Paweł Tryzybowicz, Mateusz Trojanowski
Basalt-Inspired Structure with Glass Roof Emphasizes Panoramic Views
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Inspired by basalt formations, the structure utilizes a glass roof to enhance natural light and views, serving as a multifunctional restaurant and greenhouse.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by local basalt formations, the building’s design reflects organic shapes.
02
A glass roof allows natural light throughout the transition spaces, enhancing the experience.
03
Distinct cells cater to specific functions while promoting visitor flow and interaction.
04
The path next to the greenhouse indicates future expansion possibilities.
05
Panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is located on a gentle slope that offers a broad view of the Icelandic landscape, including the Hverfjall volcano. It serves as both a dining establishment and a multifunctional space. The design concept draws inspiration from the region's basalt rock formations, creating an experience that connects visitors to the natural environment.

Function and Spatial Organization

The structure is divided into distinct areas, referred to as "cells," each dedicated to a specific purpose, such as the restaurant, greenhouse, kitchen, technical room, staff office, and multipurpose hall. This arrangement allows for efficient use of space while enhancing the interactions among different functions. The varying heights of the cells create an organic look that mirrors the surrounding geological features.

Natural Light and Experience

A key aspect of the design is the incorporation of large panoramic windows facing south-east, south, and south-west. These windows bring ample natural light into the building and create a visual connection with the outdoor landscape. A glass-roofed corridor runs through the space, facilitating movement and exploration. This corridor allows occupants to enjoy both the sky above and the views of the land surrounding them.

Materials and Construction

Though specific details on materials are limited, the design includes glass for the windows and roof, which emphasizes transparency and openness. Concrete and compacted sand contribute to the building's stability and durability, while XPS styrofoam is used for insulation, ensuring comfort in varying weather conditions.

Design Detail

An interesting feature of the building is the pathway next to the greenhouse, which ends at a dead-end. This design choice hints at the possibility of future expansion, encouraging a sense of curiosity. It invites a dialogue between the built space and the natural landscape, suggesting that the restaurant may evolve over time while maintaining its connection to the 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.

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