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Polycarbonate Panels Enveloping a Plant Corridor in a Sustainable Dining Experience

Author:
Juan Montiel
Polycarbonate Panels Enveloping a Plant Corridor in a Sustainable Dining Experience
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With a facade of polycarbonate panels and a plant-lined corridor, the design harmonizes its agricultural function with a restaurant experience, emphasizing sustainability and a deep connection to the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facade constructed with polycarbonate panels to optimize thermal performance.
02
Plant-lined corridor showcases the agricultural growth process.
03
Building orientation maximizes southern sunlight for enhanced plant growth.
04
Roof design features a split that creates a distinctive silhouette.
05
Direct access from the reception to the greenhouse component for visitor engagement.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is located in the rugged landscape of Iceland, where the natural environment plays a vital role in its design. It combines the functions of a greenhouse and a restaurant, creating a space that supports both food production and dining. The concept focuses on enhancing the connection between guests and the surrounding nature, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Architectural Form

The building’s form is based on a traditional greenhouse, shaped to fit the local landscape. Inside, the layout is designed for easy movement and accessibility. Guests enter through a welcoming corridor that divides different areas. This design provides direct access to the greenhouse, while also allowing visitors to navigate administrative and service spaces with ease.



Orientation and Light

The building is oriented to capture sunlight from the south, which is essential for plant growth. The roof features a split design that adds character to the structure, creating a profile that complements the nearby mountains. This careful attention to orientation allows natural light to play a significant role in both the greenhouse and the restaurant, enhancing the experiences within.



Materiality

The facade is made of polycarbonate panels, which serve multiple purposes. These materials provide an attractive appearance while also ensuring efficient use of sunlight. They allow light to enter the building while preventing heat from escaping, which is important for maintaining a comfortable environment inside. This choice of materials reflects a focus on sustainability and the functional needs of the space.



Visitor Experience

As guests move through the plant-lined corridor, they engage with the idea of growing food. This design element connects the experience of dining with the behind-the-scenes work of agriculture. Upon entering the restaurant area, visitors are met with expansive views of the valley, further emphasizing the natural connection. The entrance features a distinctive fold that invites visitors in, marking the building as a place that celebrates both culinary arts and agriculture.

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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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