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Terraced Greenery With Climate Zones Integrating Sustainable Practices

Author:
Anatol Popławski
Terraced Greenery With Climate Zones Integrating Sustainable Practices

Project in-detail

Terraced greenhouse sectors create a unique microclimate system while seamlessly incorporating a restaurant that emphasizes sustainable practices and efficient resource management.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terraced design optimizes views of Hverfjall volcano.
02
Four distinct climate zones support diverse plant species.
03
Off-the-grid systems ensure complete self-sufficiency.
04
Biogas plant converts waste into usable energy.
05
Water treatment system utilizes plants for gray sewage recycling.

The Green Cascade project is located near Hverfjall volcano in Iceland. It combines a restaurant with a greenhouse, focusing on preserving the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The design concept emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and nature while promoting sustainability and enhancing the user experience.

Terraced Greenhouse Design

The layout of the project features multiple terraces that adapt to the site's slope. This design allows the greenery to flow downwards visually, connecting the building to the landscape. Each level creates opportunities for people to engage with nature. Different greenhouse sections encourage various kinds of plant growth, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Climate Zone Integration

Inside the greenhouse, there are four specific climate zones, each designed for different types of plants. These include a temperate area, a tropical zone for bananas and dates, a nursery for young plants, and a section for Mediterranean climate plants. This division not only supports a diverse array of agriculture but also provides educational experiences for visitors about different ecosystems.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a key focus of the project. It follows an off-the-grid model, aiming for complete self-sufficiency. A biogas plant processes organic waste into energy, while a compost heap converts biodegradable materials into fertilizer. Additionally, a water treatment system cleans gray sewage by using plant systems, ensuring that water is reused and contributing to the project's environmental goals.

Thermal Efficiency and Functionality

Thermal efficiency is carefully considered in the building's design. The arrangement of spaces minimizes heat loss, placing the warmest areas away from cold exposure. Public and private spaces are clearly defined. Public areas center around the greenhouses, while support zones like the kitchen and nursery are less visible. This layout improves the flow of operations and enhances the overall visitor experience.

Visitors can enjoy the dynamic interaction between the restaurant and the lush, vegetated terraces. The design encourages guests to appreciate the natural surroundings and engage with the lush greenery while enjoying their meals.

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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
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