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Coated Steel and Concrete Greenhouse Integrated into Volcanic Landscape Restaurant

Authors:
Ryo Murata, Wakana Takahashi, Viktoriia Fanasiutkina, Renata Baksai, Tomoka Ban
Coated Steel and Concrete Greenhouse Integrated into Volcanic Landscape Restaurant

Project in-detail

The integration of a coated steel and concrete greenhouse within a volcanic landscape creates a dynamic restaurant environment that emphasizes local agriculture and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
The restaurant combines a greenhouse with educational spaces for hands-on learning.
02
Coated steel and concrete construction withstands Iceland's harsh climatic conditions.
03
A diverse pathway mimics hiking trails, promoting exploration and interaction with greenery.
04
The roof design allows for effective rainwater collection and enhances natural light.
05
Angular forms reflect the surrounding volcanic landscape, creating visual continuity.

The design is situated in Iceland and looks at how cultivated lands can connect with nature. In a restaurant, a greenhouse stands at the center, allowing plants to grow in a controlled climate. The aim is to create a unique experience for visitors, reflecting the balance between the natural landscape and human activity, while highlighting the importance of local farming in this stunning environment.

Spatial Configuration

Paths throughout the building are designed to resemble hiking trails, inviting visitors to explore varied elevations and plant life. This layout gives different views and enhances a sense of discovery. As people move through the space, they engage more with their surroundings and gain insight into how food is grown within the greenhouse.

Functional Zoning

The building divides into three main parts, placing the greenhouse in the middle. This organization helps maintain a smooth flow between areas for dining and learning. The angular shapes of the design echo the volcanic landscape nearby, creating a strong visual connection to the environment while serving practical needs.

Material Selection

Concrete, coated steel, and aluminum are the key materials used in the construction. The concrete base ensures stability and durability. Coated steel makes up the framework, supporting the roof and providing strength. The aluminum cladding on the roof is designed for rainwater collection, enhancing the building's sustainability efforts. These choices focus on functionality and resilience in the face of Iceland's challenging climate.

The greenhouse not only supports food cultivation but also plays a role in education. Visitors can learn about the growth cycles of different plants. Natural light fills the interior, highlighting the connection between the cultivated plants and the wild landscapes outside, showing how both can coexist.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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