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Reflecting Pool and Glass Enclosure Enhancing Culinary Experiences in Iceland

Authors:
Jovana Dordevic, Dunja Petrovic
Reflecting Pool and Glass Enclosure Enhancing Culinary Experiences in Iceland
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A glass-enclosed greenhouse with a reflecting pool and a unique pick-your-own crops lane provides visitors a firsthand glimpse into sustainable agriculture while enjoying freshly sourced meals in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glass partitions connect the dining area directly to the greenhouse.
02
Visitors can select fresh herbs and vegetables to use in their meals.
03
The terrace features a reflecting pool fed by naturally heated hot springs.
04
A stone sculpture of the Yule Lads enhances cultural engagement.
05
The restaurant offers panoramic views of Mývatn Nature Baths and Hverfjall volcano.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant stands in a beautiful location that combines agricultural practices with dining. It aims to engage visitors with the food production process while providing a unique culinary experience. The design focuses on transparency and a strong connection to the natural surroundings, inviting guests to explore the relationship between food and its environment.

The Greenhouse

The greenhouse is a central feature of the design. It has a glass partition that allows customers to see the crops as they grow. This connection between the greenhouse and the restaurant highlights how the food on diners’ plates is cultivated. Inside, the greenhouse is divided into sections for different plants, ensuring each can thrive in its specific conditions. This design approach allows for future expansions, adapting as the needs of the restaurant evolve.

The Restaurant

The restaurant accommodates up to 100 people and is strategically located to offer views of Mývatn Nature Baths and Hverfjall volcano. The glass partition enhances the overall dining experience by showing how the food is sourced directly from the greenhouse. The positioning of the restaurant also considers the possibility of attracting visitors who wish to see the Northern Lights, enhancing the experience further with a stunning natural display.

Interactive Culinary Experience

A notable aspect of the restaurant is the pick-your-own-crops lane, which allows guests to select fresh vegetables and herbs directly from the greenhouse. This interactive feature helps visitors understand local food production and encourages engagement with the ingredients before they are cooked. The rentable kitchen, located next to the restaurant, gives visitors the opportunity to prepare their meals using freshly harvested ingredients, making the culinary experience more hands-on and personal.

Cultural Elements

The terrace includes a reflecting pool that is filled with naturally heated hot springs, paying tribute to Lake Mývatn nearby. This water feature is not only pleasant to look at but also adds a touch of local culture. A stone sculpture, representing the Yule Lads from Icelandic folklore, is placed within the reflecting pool. This artwork can spark conversations among visitors and connect them to the rich traditions of the area.

The design effectively combines practical needs with an appreciation for nature and culture, creating a space where food, environment, and heritage come together harmoniously.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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