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Geodesic Glass Dome Overlooking Hydroponic Greenhouse Dining Environment

Authors:
Disha Bhatia, Prabhjot Rajpal, Shreya Sethi, Vinayak Verma
Geodesic Glass Dome Overlooking Hydroponic Greenhouse Dining Environment

Project in-detail

A geodesic glass dome crowns a hydroponic greenhouse, providing an innovative dining space that integrates local geothermal energy and natural landscapes for sustainable culinary experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal energy sources from local hot springs provide heating for the restaurant.
02
A geodesic glass dome offers panoramic views while enhancing natural light in the bar area.
03
The design incorporates hydroponic farming to supply fresh produce directly from the greenhouse.
04
Multilevel seating arrangements allow varied dining experiences and optimal landscape views.
05
Strategic skylights support natural illumination throughout the exhibition and dining spaces.

Heimaræktað is set in a landscape enriched by natural beauty, providing a space that functions both as a restaurant and a greenhouse. The design combines elements of modern architecture with local geographical features. The concept revolves around basic geometric shapes, creating a balance between function and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Architectural Layout

The starting point is a foundational block shape. This form is essential for housing the kitchen and storage areas, which are critical to the restaurant's operation. The building is wrapped in a glass and steel profile. This not only gives it a modern look but also ensures it has a strong structure.

User Experience

Various design elements enhance how people interact with the space. Extrusions for entrances and corner windows allow natural light to flood in and provide views of the surroundings. Skylights are placed thoughtfully in the roof to create a bright environment within the exhibition areas. This design encourages movement from a more defined space towards a larger greenhouse area, making the environment feel open and inviting.

Seating Arrangements

A diverse seating arrangement is implemented, allowing visitors to choose from multiple levels. This setup adds variety to the dining experience and provides different vantage points. The bar, located on the mezzanine floor beneath a glass dome, creates an intimate setting for guests. Here, people can enjoy drinks while taking in the views of the northern lights.

Sustainability and Materials

Sustainability plays an important role in the project. Geothermal energy is sourced from local hot springs and Mývatn lake, which helps heat the restaurant and maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Hydroponic farming is another significant element, allowing various crops to be grown without soil within the greenhouse. Materials used include glass and steel for strength and durability, while wooden panels add warmth. Concrete serves as the foundation, ensuring stability and effective load-bearing.

The combination of these design features creates an engaging environment. Heimaræktað embodies a thoughtful approach to connecting architecture with the surrounding natural landscape, providing a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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