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Elevated Restaurant with Glass Facades and Sustainable Greenhouse

Authors:
Zsófia Nagy, Benedek Merza, Dorisz Fenyvesi
Elevated Restaurant with Glass Facades and Sustainable Greenhouse
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An elevated restaurant overlooking the remarkable Icelandic landscape incorporates glass facades and a dedicated greenhouse, combining sustainability with user-friendly access for visitors and employees alike.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design offers panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape.
02
Three distinct greenhouse sections optimize space and functionality.
03
Integrated geothermal heating system supports sustainable operations.
04
User-accessible parking for guests and employees enhances convenience.
05
Glass facades create a strong visual connection to the environment.

The design centers on a multifunctional facility in Iceland, blending naturally with the surrounding landscape. It emphasizes user experience while respecting the site’s unique geological features. The layout accommodates greenhouses and service areas that support both functionality and interaction with nature.

Greenhouse Mass Design

At the heart of the design is a greenhouse mass covering around 5000 square meters. This area is divided into three sections, each measuring 39 meters on each side. This division allows the greenhouses to adapt to the varying slopes of the site. By aligning with the terrain, the design creates a visual continuity between the buildings and the natural environment.

User Accessibility

Understanding user movement is a key part of the design. Different parking areas are provided for guests and employees. Guest parking is conveniently located near the greenhouses, while employee parking is situated behind the main building. A bus station is positioned close to the entrance to encourage public transport use. Additionally, a helicopter landing pad is included to cater to various visitor needs.

Mechanical Systems and Sustainability

Advanced mechanical systems are incorporated to support sustainable practices. A geothermal heating and cooling system will provide necessary temperatures for plant growth through a hot loop for heating and a controlled water loop for hydronic systems. Besides that, an automated irrigation system uses rainwater harvesting and UV sterilization, ensuring a suitable environment for plant health.

Material Selection and Aesthetic

Material choices are integral to the project. Steel frameworks support the greenhouse structures, while reinforced concrete is used for functional elements such as stairs and elevator walls. Glass facades enhance transparency and visual connection to the outside landscape. Traditional wood cladding is applied to provide warmth and texture, connecting the design to its regional context.

The restaurant, positioned at the highest point of the facility, offers expansive views of the scenic surroundings. This design element invites visitors to engage with both the landscape and the innovative greenhouse spaces while enjoying their dining experience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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