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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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