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Rusty Metal Walls and Thermal Control in a Green Dining Space

Authors:
Pedro Salvatierra, Ana Perozo
Rusty Metal Walls and Thermal Control in a Green Dining Space
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Constructed with a serpentine wall of rusty metal that enhances thermal control, the greenhouse restaurant integrates dining and food production in a sustainable environment within a volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a serpentine wall of rusty metal that enhances the building's thermal efficiency.
02
Designed to connect dining experiences with on-site food production through integrated greenhouse functionality.
03
Organized around two primary visual axes that engage with both the volcanic landscape and the interior.
04
Utilizes geothermal energy to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs.
05
Incorporates water collection and purification systems as essential features in the landscape design.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is located in a volcanic area, combining the functions of a dining space and a greenhouse. The design aims to create connections between the built environment and natural surroundings. It invites visitors to experience food in a setting that merges architecture with agriculture, emphasizing harmony with the landscape.

Design Concept

The project uses a modular design that allows for future expansion without disrupting the relationships among spaces. Different areas, such as the restaurant, greenhouse, service facilities, and gardens, are interconnected. A serpentine wall runs through the site, linking all sections together. This wall not only provides structure but also frames the views of the landscape, making it an essential part of the overall design.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the restaurant accommodates various dining arrangements, including large communal tables and smaller, private settings. This flexibility enables different experiences for guests. The layout is oriented along two main sight lines: one directed toward the volcanic landscape and the other focusing on the interior. This careful organization enhances the connection between diners and their surroundings, enriching their overall experience.

Sustainability and Ecology

Sustainability plays a key role in this design. Each greenhouse unit features a double-layered construction that helps manage temperature and reduce energy consumption. Geothermal energy is used as a renewable power source, minimizing the building’s ecological footprint. Additionally, waste from the restaurant is processed and returned to the greenhouse, creating a cycle that nourishes the plants and supports local food production.

Material and Experience

The project incorporates materials such as rusty metal tones, wood, and greenery to enhance its visual appeal. Areas designed for collecting and purifying water also serve as integral elements of the experience, adding both functionality and aesthetic value. This thoughtful integration of materials and features contributes to a rich atmosphere, inviting visitors to connect with both the building and the natural environment.

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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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