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Crater-Inspired Restaurant Featuring Thermal Water and Double Crystal Roof

Authors:
Andrea Barrera, Antonio Sánchez, Adrian Almeida, Marcos Reyes
Crater-Inspired Restaurant Featuring Thermal Water and Double Crystal Roof
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Inspired by the form of a crater, the design incorporates thermal water for plant cultivation and a double crystal roof to enhance natural lighting, creating an immersive dining experience that connects visitors with Iceland's unique ecology.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the geological form of a crater.
02
Utilizes thermal water as a natural heating source for plants.
03
Features a double crystal panel roof for optimal light.
04
Incorporates hexagonal concrete columns for structural support.
05
Promotes community engagement through a shared dining experience.

The CRATER Greenhouse Restaurant is located in the varied landscape of Iceland, created to offer a sustainable dining experience focused on local food and ecology. It combines the functions of a greenhouse and a restaurant, allowing people to enjoy Icelandic cuisine while surrounded by nature. The design takes its cues from the local geology, particularly representing the form of a crater, which creates a unique and functional space that encourages engagement with the environment.

Design Concept
The design deeply incorporates the ideas of biophilia and biomimicry, aiming to establish a significant connection between the users and the natural world. By reflecting Iceland’s geological features, the building invites visitors to appreciate and understand the local ecosystem. The internal layout encourages social interaction, which fosters a sense of community as guests take part in activities related to growing food and preparing meals.

Materiality
Material choices play a vital role in the project’s sustainability and visual appeal. The foundation consists of a wooden slab with a perimeter made of steel, providing both strength and a natural look that fits into the landscape. The rooftop is covered with double crystal panels, which allow natural light to enter while promoting energy efficiency through passive heating for the greenhouse. Support is provided by hexagonal concrete columns that reinforce the structure, contributing to the building's geometry that echoes its natural surroundings.

Spatial Experience
Inside, the CRATER Greenhouse Restaurant immerses guests in the surrounding environment, promoting a direct experience of Iceland’s diverse ecology. The use of thermal water resources is an innovation, helping to maintain plant life within the greenhouse while offering natural heating. Large windows made of crystal frame beautiful views of the landscape, enabling continuous visual connections between the inside and outside spaces.

Together, these elements create a thoughtful design that emphasizes the link between architecture and Nature. The relationship is clear in how light and structure work together throughout the building, providing visitors with a memorable and engaging atmosphere.

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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.

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