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Floating Glass Walls and Polycarbonate Roofing in an Icelandic Restaurant

Author:
Jinyong Park
Floating Glass Walls and Polycarbonate Roofing in an Icelandic Restaurant
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With a floating glass wall and polycarbonate roofing, the design creates an immersive connection to the rugged Icelandic landscape while providing a multifunctional dining space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating glass walls enhance views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
02
The use of polycarbonate roofing maximizes natural light and insulation.
03
Design incorporates a three-dimensional Lagrangian grid for spatial fluidity.
04
Multifunctional spaces accommodate diverse activities, from dining to performances.
05
Saw-tooth concrete walls add structural stability while relating to site topography.

Green Cave is an experiential restaurant located within the unique landscape of Iceland. The design emphasizes the interplay between the built environment and the surrounding nature, creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in their surroundings. The concept focuses on discovery, inviting guests to engage with the landscape while enjoying a meal.

Spatial Arrangement
The design employs a thoughtful spatial arrangement that is expressed through visual representations, including Axonometric and Plan views. These drawings reveal the relationships among various spaces within the restaurant. The use of a three-dimensional Lagrangian grid allows the architecture to adapt to the site’s natural contours. This approach encourages movement and exploration, enhancing the experience for those visiting the restaurant.

Materials Used
Materials are vital to the design of Green Cave and play an important role in achieving its goals. A Glass Roof and Polycarbonate Roofing are prominent features, allowing natural light to fill the interior. These elements create a bright and inviting atmosphere. The Floating Glass Wall further dissolves the barriers between indoor and outdoor areas, inviting the landscape into the dining experience. This choice of materials supports both aesthetics and structural integrity.

Functional Areas
The design incorporates a range of functional spaces that enhance the versatility of the restaurant. Features such as viewing spots, large windows, and a multifunctional area, including a stage and winter garden, add to the variety of experiences inside. One notable aspect is the Saw-tooth Concrete Wall, which adds visual interest and provides structural stability, connecting the building to the rugged terrain of Iceland.

Natural Connection
The intent of Green Cave is to establish a strong connection to its geographic setting. By emphasizing transparency and openness to the environment, the design encourages guests to actively engage with nature. The careful integration of light and space enhances the dining experience, making it as much about the food as it is about the outdoor scenery. The space becomes a place where architecture meets landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects the essence of its surroundings.

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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.

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