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Reclaimed Wood and Green Concrete Define a Farm-to-Table Dining Experience in Iceland

Authors:
Eleonor Lomboy, Hannah Angelika Valencia
Reclaimed Wood and Green Concrete Define a Farm-to-Table Dining Experience in Iceland
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Reclaimed wood and green concrete form a dining destination that engages visitors with the natural surroundings and offers a unique farm-to-table experience in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood is sourced locally to enhance sustainability.
02
Four specialized greenhouses grow a diverse range of crops on-site.
03
A water garden captures snowfall for use as a seasonal feature.
04
The design maximizes panoramic views of Hverfjall and Myvatn.
05
Dining areas include both indoor seating and an outdoor patio.

Lucky Greens, situated in Iceland near the Myvatn Nature Baths and Hverfjall volcano, combines community, culture, and sustainable practices in its design. This destination focuses on providing a farm-to-table dining experience, allowing visitors to connect with the surrounding landscape. The design encourages openness and interaction, showcasing the importance of local food production.

Design Intent

The concept emphasizes the creation of engaging experiences through sustainable and passive design techniques. These methods adapt to changing seasons, allowing for a unique dining environment. The layout is designed to guide visitors naturally from the exterior to the dining area, offering views of the beautiful landscape that surrounds the building.

Spatial Configuration

Visitors arriving by bus or car first see the building's exterior. Paths lead them to the entry and dining area. This arrangement maximizes views of Hverfjall and the Myvatn Nature Baths. The interior dining space accommodates 98 seats, with an outdoor patio providing an additional 60 seats. This setup fosters social connections and encourages a lively dining experience.

Greenhouse Integration

Four specialized greenhouses cater to the needs of the restaurant, each designed for different crops. The Skrimsli Greenhouse grows lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, kale, and spinach. The Alfhol Greenhouse is used for tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, and peppers. The Huldufolk Greenhouse cultivates strawberries, bilberries, brambleberries, and crowberries. Finally, the Vik Village Greenhouse produces mushrooms, eggplant, squash, and beans. These spaces not only supply fresh ingredients for the kitchen but also provide opportunities for education about food production.

Water Feature

A unique feature of the design is the water garden. This element captures snowfall in the winter and becomes a water display in warmer months. It reinforces the relationship with Icelandic weather and adds to the visitor experience by encouraging interaction with nature.

The project incorporates reclaimed wood and timber throughout the building. These materials are locally sourced and recycled, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Green concrete is also used, contributing to durability and energy efficiency while reducing the overall environmental impact of the structure.

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

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Competition organisers

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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