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Double-Glass Facade with Hydroponic Greenhouse Functionality

Author:
Luca Iotti
Double-Glass Facade with Hydroponic Greenhouse Functionality
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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