Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Capturing Natural Light Through the Aurora Box in a Geothermal Greenhouse Restaurant

Authors:
Mohamad Rahimizadeh, Shaghayegh Nemati, Sara Rajabi, Mohamadreza Ghasemi
Capturing Natural Light Through the Aurora Box in a Geothermal Greenhouse Restaurant
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The Aurora Box's transparent walls harness natural light in a geothermal greenhouse setting, enhancing the dining experience while showcasing Iceland’s agricultural potential.
5 key facts about this project
01
The greenhouse includes the Aurora Box, designed to optimize natural light for dining.
02
Geothermal energy is employed to create a sustainable climate for plant growth.
03
Visitors can engage with local culture through an exhibition area showcasing regional crafts.
04
The design includes a modular layout with distinct zones for dining and leisure.
05
Transparent walls provide continuous views of the changing Icelandic landscape.

The Green Growth Restaurant is situated in Iceland, where the landscape is both dramatic and beautiful. It combines agriculture with a dining experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural products of the land. Designed as a greenhouse, it aims to maximize natural light and showcase the potential of Icelandic agriculture. By merging these functions, the project highlights the unique environment while providing a space for community interaction.

Design and Layout

Covering approximately 5,000 square meters, the layout includes six full modules and one half module for restaurant and greenhouse functions. This design clearly separates areas for dining, exhibitions, and relaxation, facilitating an engaging experience for guests. Flow between indoor and outdoor spaces is thoughtfully organized, promoting a close connection to the surrounding nature.

Key Architectural Elements

A prominent feature of the restaurant is the Aurora Box, which uses transparent walls to bring in natural light and provide expansive views of the sky. This design choice enhances the atmosphere for dining, allowing visitors to experience the changing light throughout the day. The arrangement of spaces encourages social interaction, giving guests an opportunity to connect with both the agricultural process and the landscape.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an essential aspect of the design. Geothermal energy is integrated to create a suitable climate for growing plants in the greenhouse. Water is drawn from the ground at a normal temperature and heated using geothermal sources, creating a closed-loop system. This method improves energy efficiency and demonstrates a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Cultural Integration

Upon entrance, visitors encounter an exhibition area featuring local products and crafts. This aspect of the design reinforces the connection between the restaurant and Icelandic culture. It allows guests to engage with local artisans while enhancing their dining experience. The design culminates in a space that underscores the relationship between food, agriculture, and the rich culture of Iceland.

The transparent walls of the Aurora Box frame the natural light and sky, shifting the dining experience throughout the day, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of Iceland's changing atmosphere.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy