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Oval Platforms Crafted with Concrete and Wood in a Culinary Experience Center

Authors:
Paula Lavarello, Raul Banda, Lucía Romanato, Milagros Ucha
Oval Platforms Crafted with Concrete and Wood in a Culinary Experience Center

Project in-detail

Constructed with a series of oval platforms in concrete and wood, the culinary center integrates a greenhouse and outdoor spaces to create a unique dining experience that emphasizes local agriculture and the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with five oval platforms that optimize views of the Icelandic landscape.
02
The greenhouse is designed for visibility, allowing guests to learn about local food cultivation.
03
Incorporates underfloor heating sourced from local hot springs for energy efficiency.
04
Outdoor fireplaces enhance the usability of the terrace across different seasons.
05
Terrazzo flooring provides a durable surface suitable for high foot traffic areas.

Growal is designed to provide a culinary experience while connecting with the natural beauty of Iceland. Located in a landscape rich with scenic views, the design utilizes five oval platforms. Each platform serves specific purposes, enhancing interaction among visitors and creating a fluid relationship between the building and the environment.

Design Concept

The main platform functions as a restaurant, featuring a layout that is adaptable for different uses. This flexibility allows the space to host various gatherings and dining experiences, all while offering expansive views of the outdoors. The second oval serves as a pathway, linking the restaurant to a greenhouse. By incorporating a greenhouse, the design promotes transparency and encourages visitors to learn about the process of food growth from cultivation to consumption.

Spatial Arrangement

In addition to the restaurant and greenhouse, the design includes a terrace and a promenade, which serve as outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. The terrace offers a place for visitors to relax and take in the natural surroundings. Meanwhile, the promenade allows for easy movement between different areas. Fireplaces added throughout these outdoor spaces create a warm atmosphere that enhances usability throughout the year.

Materiality

The project employs a carefully chosen selection of materials that work well with its function and setting. Concrete is used for its strength and reliability, while wood sections add warmth and character to the interior spaces. Glass facades foster connections with the outside, allowing light to fill the interior. Metallic features introduce a contemporary look, and the use of terrazzo flooring ensures durability for areas with heavy foot traffic.

Natural Integration

Attention to detail enhances the project's ability to capture the essence of the Icelandic landscape. Visitors experience this connection as they move between the platforms, engaging with thoughtfully designed areas that promote interaction with the environment. The overall design encourages appreciation for both the culinary experience and the surrounding natural beauty, creating a unique setting for enjoyment and discovery.

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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

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