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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades in a Hydroponic Dining Experience

Author:
Kristína Bednárová
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades in a Hydroponic Dining Experience

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles that blend into the volcanic landscape and expansive glass facades that invite natural light, the restaurant showcases hydroponic cuisine while promoting sustainability and engaging visitors in the food production process.
5 key facts about this project
01
The restaurant features a modular design that allows for future expansion while maintaining aesthetic coherence with the surrounding landscape.
02
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles enhances both durability and visual integration with the volcanic setting.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while promoting environmental sustainability through renewable material sourcing.
04
An innovative bent A-frame design maximizes natural light penetration while framing views of the adjacent hydroponic growing areas.
05
Visitors are engaged in the food production experience, witnessing hydroponically grown ingredients directly from the restaurant's dining space.
The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant stands as a modern architectural project that harmoniously integrates with its extraordinary natural environment near the Hverfjall volcano. This restaurant is more than just a dining establishment; it represents a thoughtful convergence of culinary experience, sustainability, and education. The project emphasizes a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while offering an innovative approach to food production and its relationship with diners.

Functionally, the Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant operates as a hybrid space that combines the elements of a greenhouse with those of a restaurant. It serves primarily as a venue for patrons to enjoy locally sourced and hydroponically grown food, all while engaging with the entire growing process. Visitors are not only served fresh meals but are also immersed in an educational experience that highlights the importance of sustainable practices in food production.

The design of the restaurant features two primary cubic structures that resemble modern observation towers, skillfully maximizing the view of the volcanic landscape. This approach is both practical and aesthetic; it ensures that diners have unobstructed sightlines to the surrounding beauty while allowing ample natural light to filter into the interior spaces. Large glass panels dominate the façade, emphasizing transparency and an open connection with nature. This extensive use of glass is complemented by wooden elements that pay homage to Iceland's traditional architectural style, creating a warm and inviting environment.

Key details of the project include its thoughtful layout, which separates different functional areas while maintaining visual continuity. The dining area is designed to foster social interaction, with seating arranged to encourage engagement among guests as well as with the landscape outside. The kitchen facilities are strategically placed to allow diners to observe food preparation, creating a sense of immediacy and transparency in the dining experience. This arrangement reinforces the restaurant’s ethos of connection to food sources, providing an immersive experience that goes beyond mere dining.

One of the unique design approaches taken in this project is the structural integration of the greenhouse with the restaurant. Not only does this allow for efficient use of space, but it also creates a dynamic atmosphere where visitors can see the cultivation of their meals first-hand. The architectural design encourages exploration of both the interior and the exterior, with terraced landscaping that naturally draws patrons toward the surrounding features of the site. This landscaping serves dual purposes: it enhances the aesthetic value of the environment while also guiding visitors through various viewpoints of the breathtaking landscape.

The materials chosen for this project are indicative of a dedication to sustainability and local context. The use of treated timber alongside concrete ensure durability while maintaining the organic feel of the structure. The combination of wood with expansive glass panels allows the restaurant to blend seamlessly into its environment, reflecting the earth-tone palette that characterizes the Icelandic landscape.

In summary, the Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is an architecture project that skillfully balances functionality with an appreciation for the natural world. It embodies the principles of sustainability and community engagement through its integrated approach to food production and dining. This project serves not only as a place to eat but as a venue that educates and inspires its visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationships between food, landscape, and architecture. To gain a more comprehensive insight into its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that have shaped this unique and thoughtful design.
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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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