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Biogas-Powered Greenhouse Featuring Local Wood and Natural Ventilation for Culinary Education

Authors:
Nathan Good, Nick Katagiri, Emily Doerfler
Biogas-Powered Greenhouse Featuring Local Wood and Natural Ventilation for Culinary Education

Project in-detail

Utilizing a biogas waste conversion system and local wood construction, this facility integrates a greenhouse and restaurant to provide an educational platform for sustainable culinary practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a biogas waste-to-energy system to power operations.
02
Features vertical hydroponic gardening integrated into the dining experience.
03
Constructed from locally sourced wood to enhance regional character.
04
Incorporates a green roof with indigenous plant species for biodiversity.
05
Orientation designed to maximize solar exposure while minimizing wind impact.
Voga­fjós 2 is an architectural design project located in the Mývatn Lake region of Iceland. This facility comprises a greenhouse and a restaurant, intertwining the concepts of sustainability, local agriculture, and culinary experiences. The design promotes a strong connection between patrons and the surrounding environment, utilizing natural elements and materials that reflect the unique landscape of Iceland.

Functionally, Voga­fjós 2 serves multiple purposes. It is a dining venue, an educational space, and a showcase of sustainable agricultural practices. The facility is organized into carefully defined areas that include a greenhouse featuring vertical hydroponics, restaurant zones designed for varying group sizes, and a multipurpose room adaptable for numerous activities. This spatial organization ensures that visitors can engage in both dining and learning experiences while enjoying scenic views of the nearby geothermal lagoon and geological formations.

Innovative Design Approaches
A distinctive aspect of Voga­fjós 2 is its integration of the building into its natural context. The design strategically uses reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass for transparency and light, and local wood to create warmth and connection with the environment. The use of a green roof planted with indigenous flora not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to insulation and biodiversity.

The facility employs a biogas waste-to-energy system, converting organic waste from the restaurant operations into usable energy. Additionally, efficient water management systems, utilizing collected rainwater and greywater, further illustrate the project's commitment to sustainability. The architectural composition reflects a balance between open, communal spaces and intimate areas, guiding visitors through the sensory experience of the restaurant and greenhouse.

Architectural Features and Details
The greenhouse, as a central element of Voga­fjós 2, emphasizes visual engagement with food production. The design features large expanses of glass that allow natural light to permeate, creating an inviting atmosphere while reducing energy consumption. The stratified levels within the restaurant provide diverse dining environments and unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The structural design also carefully considers climatic challenges, with careful orientation to maximize solar exposure while offering protection from prevailing winds. This attention to context and environmental response exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture that resonates with local traditions and ecological conditions.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the architectural plans and sections of Voga­fjós 2, exploring the project presentation will provide comprehensive details on the innovative design ideas and strategies employed.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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