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Panoramic Greenhouse with Clear Glass and Polycarbonate Structure

Author:
Chie Ping Boo
Panoramic Greenhouse with Clear Glass and Polycarbonate Structure
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A clear glass and polycarbonate greenhouse elevated for panoramic views of the Mývatn landscape enhances the dining experience, integrating nature into a restaurant setting designed for operational efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bridge connects the restaurant directly to the Mývatn bath, enhancing visitor access.
02
The design prioritizes operational flow with defined routes for staff and loading areas.
03
The restaurant is elevated to provide unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Natural light enters the space through a clear glass facade and polycarbonate elements.
05
The greenhouse design integrates vegetation throughout the dining area for a unique experience.

The House of Wonders is located in Iceland, a region defined by its fascinating mix of natural features shaped by ice and fire. This restaurant, combined with a greenhouse, aims to provide a unique dining experience while ensuring smooth operations. The design focuses on connecting the restaurant with the nearby Mývatn bath, encouraging visitors to enjoy both the bathing and dining experiences within the striking landscape.

Design Integration

A bridge connects the greenhouse restaurant directly to the Mývatn bath. This structure serves as both a physical link and a potential divider for future expansions of the greenhouse. It allows easy access for guests, enhancing their overall experience as they move between the bathing area and dining space. The thoughtful placement of this bridge highlights the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere for all visitors.

Operational Flow

The design emphasizes efficient operations, with clearly defined routes for staff parking and loading zones positioned to facilitate logistics. The layout includes kitchen and storage areas, making it easier for staff to manage the workflow during busy hours. This careful planning ensures that the space remains organized and functional, providing a smooth experience for both staff and diners.

Sensory Experience

Upon arrival, guests enter through a glass box filled with greenery, which invites them into the dining area. As they proceed down a linear pathway within the greenhouse, they are surrounded by plants and natural light. This design focuses on creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere that encourages visitors to connect with the environment and enjoy their meals.

Elevated Dining

The restaurant's location on the top floor offers diners panoramic views of the beautiful Mývatn landscape. This elevation enhances the experience, allowing guests to appreciate the natural surroundings while they eat. The transparent facade of the building promotes a continuous interaction between the inside and outside, changing with the light and weather conditions, which adds a unique element to the dining experience.

Materials used in the construction include clear glass and polycarbonate. These materials contribute to energy efficiency and allow for ample natural light within the restaurant. By integrating functional materials with the architectural vision, the design of the House of Wonders fosters a connection to the surrounding Icelandic landscape while creating an inviting space for visitors.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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.

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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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