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Double-Glass Facade with Hydroponic Greenhouse Functionality

Author:
Luca Iotti
Double-Glass Facade with Hydroponic Greenhouse Functionality

Project in-detail

The double-glass facade and integrated hydroponic greenhouse create a unique blend of functionality and sustainability, providing fresh produce for a dining experience in a contemporary restaurant setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique integration of hydroponic cultivation within the dining space.
02
Double-glass facade enhances thermal efficiency while permitting natural light.
03
Dedicated multipurpose hall supports diverse community activities.
04
Extensive parking provisions accommodate high visitor volumes.
05
Carefully planned expansion options for future growth and adaptability.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant combines agricultural practices with a dining experience. Located in an area focused on sustainability, the design serves as both a restaurant and an educational center. It emphasizes fresh produce sourced directly from its own internal greenhouse. The overall concept promotes multifunctionality, encouraging interaction among visitors while highlighting innovative agricultural methods.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a thoughtful arrangement of public and private spaces for both visitors and staff. Public areas include a spacious dining area, a multipurpose hall, and various sitting zones. These spaces enhance social interaction and engagement among guests. Additionally, the design accommodates transportation needs with designated parking areas for cars and buses. This focus on accessibility allows for smooth movement throughout the restaurant.

Functional Areas

In terms of space allocation, specific dimensions are assigned to key functional areas. The restaurant occupies 315 square meters, while the kitchen covers 375 square meters, indicating a strong commitment to culinary operations. Additional areas support greenhouse activities and multipurpose services, enhancing the facility's capability to operate effectively. This careful arrangement allows for flexibility and suggests potential for future expansion as visitor numbers grow.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The restaurant’s approach to sustainability is evident in its greenhouse, which employs various cultivation methods, such as ground, bench, and hydroponic techniques. These methods allow for a range of agricultural activities that provide fresh ingredients for the menu. This direct connection between the food served and its source enriches the dining experience and raises awareness of sustainable practices among patrons.

Bioclimatic Design Elements

The design incorporates bioclimatic principles to improve energy performance and blend with the environment. Notable features include a basement building and a double skin glass facade, which enhance thermal efficiency. Skylights and specialized ventilation systems contribute to natural lighting and airflow, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The addition of a green roof reinforces the ecological focus, creating a more cohesive relationship with nature.

As the sun moves across the sky, the double skin glass facade reflects changing light conditions, enhancing the visual experience for diners and highlighting the interplay of nature and architecture.

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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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