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Framed Views of Hverfjall with a Farm-to-Table Experience

Author:
Heffrence Teow
Framed Views of Hverfjall with a Farm-to-Table Experience
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With framed views of Hverfjall and a focus on the Farm-to-Table concept, the Greenhouse Restaurant integrates agricultural processes into a thoughtfully designed dining experience that highlights local food production.
5 key facts about this project
01
Frames the views of Hverfjall and Lake Mývatn.
02
Integrates a farm-to-table experience directly into the design.
03
Divides the layout into three distinct functional spaces.
04
Utilizes basic geometric forms to enhance landscape visibility.
05
Emphasizes educational engagement with agricultural practices.

The Greenhouse Restaurant in Iceland presents an innovative approach to dining that highlights the connection between food production and the eating experience. The design merges farming, ingredient processing, and dining into one cohesive environment, celebrating the value of local food production within Iceland's unique landscape. This establishment aims to provide visitors with an educational experience, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the ingredients that compose their meals.

CONCEPT AND IDEOLOGY

The project revolves around the "Farm-to-Table" concept, which shifts the traditional dining experience into a more informative journey. This design aims to engage patrons with the processes behind their food, enriching their knowledge about sustainable consumption. By letting guests explore agricultural practices before sitting down to eat, the Greenhouse Restaurant cultivates a deeper connection to the land and the food being served.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The restaurant is organized into three main areas: the Multipurpose Space, the Restaurant, and the Lounge Bar. Each section is thoughtfully designed to promote interaction with the surrounding landscape. The layout creates a flow that encourages guests to transition from agricultural spaces to dining areas, allowing them to experience the farm contextually. This arrangement results in an environment where knowledge about food production enhances the overall dining experience.

ARCHITECTURAL FORM

The building features a simple rectangular shape that aligns with the natural contours of the site. This design respects the surrounding landscape and highlights key features, such as Hverfjall and Lake Mývatn. By framing these elements, the restaurant invites guests to appreciate the scenery without distraction. Openings shaped as circles and triangles draw the eye upward toward the sky and outward toward the mountains, crafting focal points that interact with the space.

DESIGN DETAILS

While specific materials are not mentioned in the presentation, the design emphasizes basic geometries that promote harmony with the environment. The architectural forms serve multiple roles, offering functionality while creating striking visual connections to nature. The Greenhouse Restaurant illustrates a thoughtful exploration of the relationships between architecture, agriculture, and dining, marked by details that reflect the essence of Iceland's ecological and cultural landscape.

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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.

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