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Geothermal Greenhouse With Dual-Layer Glass and Charred Timber Elevating Culinary Experience

Authors:
Ana Hernández, Giovanna Bucio, Homero Ruiz
Geothermal Greenhouse With Dual-Layer Glass and Charred Timber Elevating Culinary Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred timber shingles and double-layer glass, the restaurant harmoniously blends sustainable practices and panoramic views, offering diners a unique farm-to-table experience in the heart of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates a double-layer glass façade to optimize thermal efficiency and natural light.
03
Features rainwater harvesting systems to irrigate the greenhouse garden.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to withstand Iceland's harsh weather conditions.
05
Integrates local agricultural practices, providing fresh produce directly for restaurant use.
The Dawn Greenhouse Restaurant is an architectural project that embodies both the spirit of modern design and a profound commitment to sustainability. Located near the Myvatn Nature Baths and the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland, this project serves dual purposes: it operates as a culinary venue and as an innovative agricultural space, reinforcing the connection between food and nature. By integrating greenhouse technology with restaurant functionalities, the design invites visitors to experience the landscape while enjoying locally sourced dishes.

One of the key aspects of the Dawn Greenhouse Restaurant is its intention to engage with Iceland's unique climate and environment. The architecture is designed to respond effectively to its surroundings and to make the most of the natural light and geothermal resources available. The restaurant accommodates around 100 guests and is laid out in a thoughtful arrangement of modular spaces. These spaces include dining areas, a vibrant greenhouse for growing fresh produce, kitchen facilities, and multipurpose rooms suitable for various functions. The design also incorporates large windows and open areas, ensuring that diners can enjoy panoramic views of the stunning volcanic landscape.

The use of materials in this project is both practical and reflective of local architectural traditions. The structural framework employs steel, specifically Hollow Structural Sections, ensuring the building is robust and stable. Wooden elements are integrated into the architecture, echoing the aesthetic of traditional Icelandic buildings and offering warmth and tactile engagement. Insulating glass creates expansive façades that invite natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency, which is crucial in colder months. Additionally, the incorporation of green roofs enhances insulation and biodiversity, further promoting the project's sustainability ethos.

A distinctive feature of the Dawn Greenhouse Restaurant is its commitment to sustainable practices, characterized by systems that optimize resource use. For example, rainwater harvesting is utilized to supply irrigation for the greenhouse gardens, minimizing water waste and ensuring the restaurant can produce its own vegetables. The design also considers wind protection through a double-skin façade, providing comfort for diners and preserving the integrity of the structure.

The flexibility of the spatial design allows various areas to fulfill multiple functions, creating opportunities for visitors to engage in diverse experiences. Whether dining beneath the vastness of the sky or participating in farm-to-table events, the restaurant fosters a sense of community while emphasizing the local landscape's beauty.

The Dawn Greenhouse Restaurant represents a progressive approach to architecture, combining functionality with ecological responsibility. It encourages a deeper understanding of how architecture can facilitate connections between the built environment and nature. Those interested in contemporary architectural ideas and design approaches will find the project particularly insightful.

We invite readers to explore the project's architectural plans, sections, and broader design strategies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this captivating endeavor. Engaging with the architectural details will provide a clearer picture of how design can harmonize with nature while delivering a meaningful and memorable experience.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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