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Cross-Laminated Timber And Volcanic Stone Harmonize In A Sustainable Dining Experience

Authors:
Mohamad Rahimizadeh, Shaghayegh Nemati, Sara Rajabi, Mohamadreza Ghasemi
Cross-Laminated Timber And Volcanic Stone Harmonize In A Sustainable Dining Experience

Project in-detail

Employing cross-laminated timber and local volcanic stone, the design integrates functional greenhouses to enhance sustainable practices, creating an immersive dining experience that emphasizes the connection between cultivation and cuisine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an interactive greenhouse that allows diners to engage with food cultivation.
02
Utilizes locally sourced volcanic stone as a primary cladding material for aesthetics and durability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural lighting and energy efficiency.
04
Integrates geothermal heating systems, leveraging Iceland's natural resources for sustainability.
05
Offers spaces for local product exhibitions, enhancing community involvement and agritourism.
The Green Growth Restaurant is an architectural project located in Iceland that harmoniously integrates culinary practices with agricultural production. Focused on sustainability and community engagement, the design emphasizes the relationship between food, nature, and the dining experience. Its architectural elements embody local resources and traditional practices while promoting innovative techniques tailored to the unique Icelandic landscape.

Innovative Integration of Agriculture and Dining

This project stands out due to its unique approach to merging dining spaces with agricultural functions. It features large greenhouse modules within the restaurant, allowing guests to experience the cultivation of food firsthand. The architectural design utilizes local materials, including sustainably sourced wood and volcanic stone, to create a sturdy but aesthetically pleasing structure. The sloped roofs echo the traditional Icelandic turf houses, facilitating natural water drainage while fostering a visual connection with the surrounding environment.

Large glass panels are strategically employed throughout the design to provide ample natural light, enhancing the indoor ambiance and connecting diners to the external landscape. This transparency invites patrons to appreciate the natural beauty of Iceland, reinforcing the notion of freshness and local sourcing of ingredients.

Functional Versatility and Community Engagement

The Green Growth Restaurant is designed for multifunctional use, accommodating various activities beyond dining. Spaces are allocated for exhibitions that showcase locally sourced products, thus encouraging community participation and economic support for local farmers and artisans. This emphasis on community involvement is a critical element of the design, fostering a sense of place and belonging among visitors.

The layout incorporates different dining areas suitable for various types of gatherings, from intimate meals to larger events. This versatility in function not only enhances the visitor experience but also enables the restaurant to adapt to changing demands and seasonal variations in food production.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

A core aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. By integrating geothermal energy systems for heating, the design capitalizes on Iceland’s natural resources to reduce environmental impact. The choice of durable and local materials not only supports the building’s longevity but also minimizes carbon footprints associated with transportation and sourcing.

The architectural design encourages interaction with the local environment, and it serves as a platform for educational experiences related to agritourism. Visitors are not only patrons of a restaurant but also participants in a broader narrative about food production and sustainable practices.

For those interested in exploring further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas provide valuable insights into the project. Prospective readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural concepts that make the Green Growth Restaurant a significant contribution to the evolving landscape of sustainable architecture in Iceland.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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