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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Integrated with Nature for a Community-Focused Dining Experience

Authors:
Justyna Pawelczak, Wojciech Stawiarski, Klaudia Staszyńska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Integrated with Nature for a Community-Focused Dining Experience
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Blending charred wooden shingles with expansive glass facades, the design creates an immersive experience that connects diners with the surrounding Icelandic landscape through sustainable practices and a community-centered dining environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability while maximizing interior space.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, contributing to sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
04
Integrates a greenhouse element to promote biodiversity and support local flora.
05
Strategically oriented windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is an architectural project situated near Lake Mývatn and the Hverfjall Volcano in Iceland. This design integrates built forms with the surrounding landscape, providing a space that offers both dining experiences and environmental engagement. The architecture focuses on maximizing scenic views while ensuring a sustainable operational approach.

The project comprises a modular structure designed to reflect the local topography. It includes several functional zones, such as a greenhouse, main dining hall, multipurpose room, and administrative areas. The connection between indoor spaces and the natural environment is emphasized through large glass facades, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors and offering uninterrupted views of the stunning landscape.

Unique Design Approaches

The architectural design of the Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant focuses on site integration, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. The modular layout enables efficient use of space while providing distinct areas for varied activities. The longhouse-inspired form mirrors traditional Icelandic architecture, facilitating a sense of continuity with cultural heritage.

The choice of materials is significant to the project. Concrete provides structural stability, while extensive use of glass enhances visual connectivity to the environment. Wood elements are introduced to create a welcoming atmosphere, contributing to the restaurant's overall aesthetic. Steel is utilized for structural support, underscoring the modern approach to traditional architectural forms.

Sustainability is central to the project’s philosophy. Local sourcing of materials minimizes environmental impact. The design also encourages biodiversity through the inclusion of a greenhouse that nurtures both plant life and enriches the dining experience. The layout promotes visitor exploration and interaction with the natural surroundings, enhancing the user experience while respecting the ecological context.

Functional Considerations

The architectural composition of the restaurant not only focuses on aesthetic appeal but also addresses functional requirements. The first floor is dedicated to communal spaces, promoting social interaction and versatility for events. The arrangement of the dining areas and multipurpose rooms reflects an understanding of visitor flow and experience.

The second floor is designed for more intimate dining experiences, offering an elevated perspective of the landscape. Strategic window placements ensure that every space capitalizes on the breathtaking views that define this locale. A central spiral staircase integrates both levels, fostering connectivity within the building while acting as a visual element.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant represents an architectural synthesis of local tradition, sustainability, and modern design principles, creating a unique dining experience in a stunning natural setting. For further insight into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the presentation available.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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