Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Energy Create a Harmonious Dining Experience in the Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Rainer Urban
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Energy Create a Harmonious Dining Experience in the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and a green roof that seamlessly integrates into the volcanic landscape, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience enriched by an on-site greenhouse and geothermal energy, celebrating local ingredients and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an on-site greenhouse that supplies fresh ingredients directly to the restaurant.
02
Utilizes geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability throughout the building.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that provide weather resistance and a unique aesthetic suited to the local environment.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity while promoting a warm interior atmosphere.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
The architectural project focuses on the Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant, a thoughtfully designed facility located near the picturesque Mývatn Nature Bath and the prominent Hverfjall volcano. This project exemplifies a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and user experience in its multifaceted design.

At its core, the Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant serves as an innovative dining venue that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, made possible through its on-site greenhouse. The multifunctional space is engineered to foster a connection between the dining experience and the surrounding natural environment, thereby enhancing both aesthetic value and practicality. The building's design embodies a rational response to its geographical context, incorporating local materials that withstand the Icelandic climatic conditions, while simultaneously reflecting the region's unique cultural and environmental ethos.

The architecture is organized across four distinct levels: a basement that accommodates essential service spaces such as storage and the greenhouse, a ground floor with functional areas like kitchens and restrooms, a first floor that hosts the main dining area, and a green roof providing panoramic views of the captivating landscape. This thoughtful spatial organization not only maximizes the property’s use but also encourages an organic flow between indoor and outdoor environments. The integration of the greenhouse with the dining area allows guests to engage with the food they consume, which is a central tenet of the restaurant’s philosophy and enhances patrons' overall experience.

Material selection plays a pivotal role in the project's success, with concrete as the primary structural component offering durability and resilience. Large expanses of glass are strategically employed to introduce natural light while framing views of the scenic surroundings and effectively blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of steel in the structural elements allows flexibility in design, permitting large open areas that enhance communal dining experiences. The incorporation of green roof systems not only enhances thermal performance but also introduces an element of biodiversity, in keeping with sustainable architecture practices.

A distinctive aspect of the restaurant's design lies in its visual orientation towards the Hverfjall volcano, positioning the building to provide guests with a constant reminder of the stunning natural beauty surrounding them. The careful placement and form of the structure create a dialogue with the landscape, not only ensuring that the restaurant is inviting but also making it a point of interest in its own right. The overall approach encourages exploration and interaction, inviting guests to appreciate the abundant Icelandic nature.

Furthermore, the project’s architectural designs prioritize inclusivity, with accessible pathways and thoughtfully arranged spaces catering to a wide range of visitors. Outdoor areas surrounding the restaurant are designed for communal interaction, promoting a sense of community while enhancing the site’s usability.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant exemplifies how thoughtful architectural design can respond to a specific landscape, offering a venue that not only serves a functional purpose but also enriches the cultural fabric of its setting. This project stands as a testament to contemporary architectural ideas that prioritize environmental stewardship, user experience, and local ecological integration. For a deeper insight into the architectural plans, sections, and design elements of this project, the reader is encouraged to explore further details in the project presentation. This exploration promises a richer understanding of the architectural vision and its execution in this impressive facility.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
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 16544 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