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Steel and Glass Integration in an Agricultural Shelter Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Adam Kubica, Karolína Bujdáková
Steel and Glass Integration in an Agricultural Shelter Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Constructed from steel and glass, the building integrates into the hillside while promoting sustainable agriculture and providing a dining space that enhances the connection between guests and the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Greenhouse sections allow for year-round cultivation despite the regional climate.
02
Sliding glass panels create fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Embedded into the hillside, the design minimizes visual impact and enhances intimacy.
04
Inspired by traditional Longhouses, the layout promotes community interaction.
05
The use of steel and glass maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.

The Greenhouse Restaurant is located in northern Iceland, designed to function as both a dining space and a place for growing plants. The project emphasizes a strong connection to the natural landscape, particularly the nearby Mývatn nature bath. The aim is to create a space where visitors can enjoy food and nature together, making the experience enriching for everyone who visits.

Spatial Division
The design divides the building into two main sections along a long axis. One half is dedicated to green spaces for plants and vegetables, while the other half serves as the area for guests. This layout encourages interaction between people and nature. Large glass panels allow for clear views and easy movement between the two areas.

Internal Organization
The interior layout takes inspiration from traditional farmhouses, resembling a Longhouse. It features various enclosed spaces that create three primary areas: the Restaurant, Fresh Bar, and Multipurpose Hall. This setup allows for a flexible use of space and provides different atmospheres for guests to experience. People can move through the various sections, engaging with a range of activities and settings in the building.

Integration with Terrain
The building design considers the surrounding landscape by partly embedding itself into the hillside. This helps reduce its visual impact and creates a cozy feeling inside. Differences in ceiling heights and room shapes add character to the interior. These design choices contribute to a richer experience for those inside, inviting them to appreciate their environment more deeply.

Materials and Aesthetics
Materials used in construction play a crucial role in the overall look and feel. The structure primarily uses steel beams and columns, accompanied by large panels of clear glass. This choice highlights transparency and openness, allowing natural light to enter. As the light shifts throughout the day, the space inside changes, enhancing the atmosphere for guests.

The interplay of glass and light reflects the beauty of the surroundings, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The structure maintains a strong relationship with nature, enriching the experience for those who dine within it.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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