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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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