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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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