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Connecting Cuisine and Nature Through Glazed Interiors and Agricultural Experiences

Authors:
Stephy To, Raffaele Palmieri
Connecting Cuisine and Nature Through Glazed Interiors and Agricultural Experiences

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a sustainable agriculture experience, a fully glazed facade connects diners to the surrounding landscape while showcasing the food cultivation processes within the restaurant.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique integration of planting spaces within the dining area enhances the relationship between guests and food sources.
02
Curvilinear pedestrian paths connect the restaurant to nearby attractions, promoting seamless visitor movement.
03
The glazed facade allows for natural light while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
04
A stone garden offers a tranquil outdoor space, merging with the natural environment and enhancing guest experience.
05
Multiple kitchen spaces support diverse culinary activities, emphasizing local food preparation methods.

The Icelandic Greenhouse Restaurant, also known as "The Northern Lantern," combines a culinary experience with local agriculture, situated within Iceland’s remarkable natural landscape. The design prioritizes transparency and accessibility, featuring a glazed facade that reflects the environment during the day and glows softly at night. The restaurant serves both as a place to dine and as an educational space where guests can engage with the process of growing food in Iceland's unique climate.

Design Concept

The concept focuses on creating a strong connection between the interior spaces and the outdoors. The fully glazed facade not only welcomes daylight but also showcases the activities happening inside. This approach promotes a sense of openness, allowing visitors to observe the relationship between food production and culinary art.

Site Layout

Movement across the site is facilitated by two winding pedestrian paths. One path leads from the parking area on the North side to the main entrance, while the other directs guests toward the Mývatn Nature Baths. This thoughtful arrangement enhances accessibility and encourages exploration. A stone garden lies between the paths, offering a tranquil outdoor area for relaxation and contemplation.

Functional Areas

The layout is divided into four main zones: public, private, semi-public, and semi-private. The ground floor includes 1,464 square meters mainly used for public activities. This level features a spacious café alongside a grand spiral staircase, which acts as an important design element. On the first floor, there are an additional 1,504 square meters that include planting areas, different kitchen spaces, and pathways, allowing guests to experience the link between growing food and enjoying meals.

Design Details

On the top floor, measuring 416 square meters, a dining area offers guests clear views of the surrounding landscape through its glass walls. This design detail highlights the connection between the food served and its environment, enhancing the overall dining experience. The Northern Lantern reflects a commitment to sustainability by fostering an awareness of agricultural practices within a setting that invites interaction with nature.

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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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