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Locally Sourced Stones and Light-Membrane Structure Enhance Greenhouse Functionality

Author:
Junichi Nakajo
Locally Sourced Stones and Light-Membrane Structure Enhance Greenhouse Functionality
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A light-membrane roof and locally sourced stones create a climate-sensitive greenhouse near Myvatn Lake, designed for sustainable cultivation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light-membrane roofing enhances thermal performance.
02
Vertical cultivation system maximizes growing space.
03
Locally sourced stones stabilize temperature fluctuations.
04
Community terrace encourages social interaction among visitors.
05
Design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is located near Myvatn Lake and Haverfjall Volcano, offering a unique setting for both agriculture and community interaction. Designed to blend with the natural landscape, it serves as a horticultural facility while providing a welcoming space for visitors. The design approach emphasizes practical use and encourages a connection between people and nature.

Architectural Layout

The layout features a terrain that resembles a valley, allowing for easy movement and engagement among visitors. The greenhouse acts as the central feature, incorporating a vertically expandable system for plant cultivation. This arrangement optimizes space for growing crops. It also reflects the landscape’s natural contours, making it a part of the surrounding environment.

Structural Design

The roof is constructed using a lightweight, light-membrane material that offers good thermal insulation. This choice plays a key role in maintaining a comfortable climate inside the greenhouse, especially during cold weather. The greenhouse's entrance is located on the first floor, linking it to the landscape. Inside, mesh units are used to create vertical layers that help light reach the plants effectively, enhancing their growing conditions.

Sustainability Features

The south-facing slope is designed to assist with temperature control. Locally sourced stones are placed on this slope to absorb heat during the day and release it at night. This helps create a stable environment for plant growth. Additionally, the building collects rainwater from the roof for irrigation, while geothermal heating is used to manage water temperatures, supporting sustainable practices.

Community Interaction

An open terrace provides a space for visitors to relax and connect with one another. This area encourages social interaction and enhances the overall experience. The blue volume adjacent to the terrace draws inspiration from glacial formations, visually linking the building with its natural environment and serving as an engaging entry point for all who visit.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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