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Panoramic Greenhouse with Clear Glass and Polycarbonate Structure

Author:
Chie ping Boo
Panoramic Greenhouse with Clear Glass and Polycarbonate Structure

Project in-detail

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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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
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