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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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