Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Timber Structure Embraces Natural Light Through Expansive Glazing and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Youngil Kim
Timber Structure Embraces Natural Light Through Expansive Glazing and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Combining a functioning greenhouse with a timber structure that maximizes natural light through expansive glazing, the design fosters a direct connection to sustainable agriculture while serving as a community restaurant.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Features a working greenhouse that educates visitors about local food cultivation.
03
Incorporates extensive glazing to maximize natural light and scenic views.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality.
The Greenhouse Restaurant project integrates architecture and nature, creating a unique dining experience in Iceland's diverse landscape. The design prioritizes sustainability and user engagement, serving as both a restaurant and a greenhouse, thereby fostering a connection between its patrons and the natural environment. By employing materials and forms that resonate with the surrounding terrain, the architecture embodies a synergy between built and natural elements, enhancing the culinary experience rooted in local produce.

The project is organized into interconnected segments, facilitating a seamless flow between various functional spaces. The layout includes a main dining area, a greenhouse for food cultivation, and multi-purpose zones that accommodate diverse events. Expansive glass facades allow natural light to penetrate the interior, providing unobstructed views of the landscape, while also blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. The use of timber primarily serves as a structural material, offering warmth and a tactile quality to the interiors.

Sustainable practices are at the core of the project, manifested through a careful selection of materials and environmental systems. Rainwater management ensures minimal impact on the local ecosystem, and the greenhouse serves both agricultural and educational purposes, demonstrating the process of food cultivation to patrons. This focus on sustainability and local sourcing strengthens the connection between dining and agriculture, enhancing the overall experience.

The architectural approach distinguishes this project from typical restaurant designs. Unlike many establishments, the Greenhouse Restaurant incorporates a working greenhouse, allowing diners to interact with the culinary process. This unique feature elevates the restaurant beyond mere dining, fostering an educational atmosphere where guests can appreciate the origins of their meals. In addition, the design's modular layout accommodates flexibility in function, making it adaptable for various entertainment and community activities throughout the year.

Overall, the Greenhouse Restaurant stands as a contemporary architectural endeavor that addresses issues of sustainability while providing a space for community engagement and culinary exploration. For those interested in delving deeper into this project, reviewing its architectural plans, sections, and designs will offer further insights into the innovative ideas and design methodologies employed throughout this thoughtful build.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy