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Cross-Laminated Timber and Glasshouse Integrating Local Agriculture with Community Dining

Author:
Ricardo Solar lezama
Cross-Laminated Timber and Glasshouse Integrating Local Agriculture with Community Dining

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and expansive glass elements, the design melds agricultural spaces and community dining, fostering a vibrant connection between local food production and a welcoming culinary environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural stability while reducing environmental impact.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior, adding durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
An innovative bent A-frame shape maximizes sunlight exposure and improves energy efficiency within the greenhouse.
04
Movable planters within the greenhouse facilitate diverse cultivation techniques, allowing for year-round community engagement.
05
The project integrates educational spaces for workshops, promoting sustainable practices in urban agriculture and culinary arts.
The ICE Greenhouse and Restaurant project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture that seeks to harmonize built forms with nature while serving the practical needs of the community. Located in Iceland, this project embodies a visionary blend of functionality and sustainability. It serves as both a culinary space and a greenhouse, emphasizing the importance of locally grown food and environmental stewardship.

At its core, the project represents a commitment to sustainable architecture that encourages community engagement. By incorporating a greenhouse within a dining facility, the design allows patrons to experience fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This focus on agronomy not only supports the region's farmers but also creates a direct connection between the consumer and the agricultural process, fostering greater awareness of food sources and sustainability.

The architectural design is characterized by its organic integration with the landscape. Careful consideration of the site's topography results in a structure that appears to emerge naturally from its surroundings. The staggered rooflines and carefully placed volumes create varied spatial experiences while optimizing sunlight for plant growth. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the building but also plays a crucial role in its functionality, especially given Iceland's unique climate.

Architectural elements within the project reflect a commitment to natural materials and energy efficiency. The predominant use of wood for cladding contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere while ensuring a solid thermal performance. Large expanses of glass are strategically placed throughout the design, promoting natural light while offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This transparency serves to connect the interior spaces with the exterior environment, allowing visitors to feel an intrinsic link to the natural world outside.

Concrete forms the backbone of the structural framework, providing durability and strength, while steel components ensure minimal visual obstruction. Each material is selected not only for its functional properties but also for its ability to resonate with the overall design narrative of merging architecture with nature. The careful choice of materials enhances the building’s sustainability profile while ensuring a timeless aesthetic.

Unique design approaches are prevalent in the project's conceptualization. The flexible interior layout allows for multifunctional spaces that can adapt to various community needs. The dining area, for example, is positioned adjacent to the greenhouse, offering diners a unique experience of enjoying meals prepared with freshly harvested ingredients. Additionally, movable planters within the greenhouse facilitate diverse growing conditions and enhance the interactive experience for visitors, inviting them to engage with the growing process firsthand.

The incorporation of community-centric spaces within the design fosters connections among visitors and encourages educational opportunities. Workshops and events within the multipurpose hall promote discussions around sustainability and food production, reinforcing the restaurant's role as a community hub. This focus on interaction emphasizes the building's function beyond mere aesthetics, positioning it as a vital part of the social fabric of the area.

Overall, the ICE Greenhouse and Restaurant represents a significant exploration of architecture that prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and the enjoyment of nature. Its thoughtful design addresses practical needs while also creating a welcoming environment that celebrates the relationship between people, food, and the ecological systems that support them. For those interested in the intricate details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, further exploration of the presentation is encouraged to gain deeper insights into this innovative architectural endeavor.
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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
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