Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles Intertwined with Glass Panels Create a Sustainable Dining Experience Amidst Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Hui Guo
Charred Wooden Shingles Intertwined with Glass Panels Create a Sustainable Dining Experience Amidst Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Interwoven with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, the greenhouse restaurant seamlessly connects culinary experiences with the rugged Icelandic landscape, promoting sustainability and local culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and offer a unique aesthetic while blending with the landscape.
02
The building features a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural efficiency and spatial dynamics.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for sustainable construction, reducing carbon footprint.
04
Extensive glass paneling maximizes natural light and visual connection to the surrounding environment.
05
A dedicated garden area supplies fresh produce directly to the restaurant's kitchen, emphasizing local sourcing.
The Moulting Melting Greenhouse Restaurant is an architectural project located in Iceland, designed to create a harmonious blend between the built environment and the natural landscape. The structure primarily serves as a dining venue, offering an immersive culinary experience within a greenhouse setting that fosters growth and sustainability. The architectural design emphasizes transparency and connection with the outdoors, utilizing views of the surrounding Icelandic scenery to enhance the dining experience.

The greenhouse aspect of the design not only hosts the restaurant but also incorporates elements that connect diners to the local ecosystem. By merging the functions of a restaurant and a greenhouse, this project reinforces the relationship between food and nature. The design underlines the importance of sustainability within the culinary industry while providing a versatile space for community interaction and cultural engagement.

Unique Design Approaches That Enhance Functionality
The Moulting Melting project distinguishes itself through its use of innovative design strategies. The predominant use of glass in the main structure allows for natural light to permeate the interiors, creating a dynamic atmosphere that evolves throughout the day. This transparency fosters a direct relationship between the occupants and the natural setting, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The architectural layout incorporates various spaces—dining areas, a multipurpose hall, and exhibitions—making the restaurant not just a place to eat but a venue for cultural exchange. The integration of a gallery space dedicated to local art further links the culinary experience with regional identity, allowing visitors to engage with Icelandic culture directly.

The project employs a thoughtful material palette, including glass, concrete, wood, and metal. The use of concrete provides structural integrity and a strong base, while wood adds warmth to the interiors, balancing the coldness associated with the surrounding landscape. Metal details are strategically used to enhance the visual appeal while maintaining strength, particularly in structural components.

Architectural Details and Enhancement of Visitor Experience
The spiral staircase serves as a key architectural feature, facilitating movement between levels and inviting exploration of the space. The arrangement of furniture within the open areas promotes social interaction and connection among diners. The design also features a greenhouse garden, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, allowing fresh produce to be a part of the menu.

The careful consideration of spatial layout contributes significantly to visitor experience. The orientation of the building aligns with the natural contours of the terrain, creating an organic flow that guides movement and enhances the immersive quality of the restaurant. The evolving light conditions throughout the day, reflected through the glass, contribute to a changing ambient atmosphere that influences both dining and engagement with the environment.

By reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers can gain deeper insights into the intricate details and innovative approaches employed in the Moulting Melting Greenhouse Restaurant project. Exploring this presentation will illuminate how thoughtful architecture can create spaces that are not only functional but also enriching for their users.
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 17,249 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