The Mývatn Greenhouse Restaurant is located in the unique landscape of Dimmuborgir, Iceland. It serves as a space for dining and growing plants, bringing together nature and human activity. The design focuses on creating a journey for visitors, starting from a hidden entrance and leading through an enclosed tunnel to a wide greenhouse. The building draws inspiration from the surrounding geography, making it a natural fit within its environment.

Structural Configuration

The building features two equilateral triangles connected by a tunnel. This shape creates a strong visual link to the flat landscape of Mývatn. Concrete walls define the structure, providing stability and durability against the elements. These walls separate the interior from the exterior while allowing views of the landscape outside.

Material Application

The exterior walls use a sand-casting technique, which helps the structure connect with its environment. This method gives the walls a textural quality that enhances their visual appeal. Constructing these walls on-site minimizes the need for transportation, reducing the building's overall carbon footprint. The concrete serves both functional and aesthetic needs, fitting the overall vision of the restaurant.

Visitor Experience

The entrance is designed simply, hiding the vibrant greenhouse that lies beyond. This choice adds an element of curiosity. As visitors walk through the tunnel, they move from a narrow, dark space into a bright, open area. This shift in light and space is intentional, creating a memorable experience that highlights the contrast between the two environments.

Greenhouse Organization

Inside, the greenhouse has different zones for growing plants. Some areas are at the same level as the restaurant, while others are raised. This organization helps separate various plant species, allowing for effective use of space. Leafy vegetables are planted in higher beds, while other areas accommodate tubers, trees, and shrubs. This thoughtful arrangement benefits both the aesthetics and functionality of the greenhouse.

Natural light streams through the glass roof panels, emphasizing the vibrant plant life inside. The design ensures that the right conditions are created for growth, combining beauty and purpose in a harmonious way.