Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
new
Bellano Cotton 
Mill Museum

Design a museum in the former Cantoni Cotton Mill, Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 3 December 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 10 December 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 14 January 2027

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in