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Transparent Glass Deck over Indoor Greenhouse Anchors Circular Restaurant in Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Xiang Ye, Shitong Yu, Ryan Sun, Tory Wang
Transparent Glass Deck over Indoor Greenhouse Anchors Circular Restaurant in Volcanic Landscape
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The circular design integrates a transparent glass deck above an indoor greenhouse, allowing natural light to illuminate the restaurant while connecting diners to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout promotes panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Transparent glass deck enhances natural lighting throughout the interior.
03
Indoor greenhouse creates a unique atmospheric experience for diners.
04
Reinforced concrete provides structural stability in volcanic terrain.
05
Steel trusses allow for an open and flexible dining space.

Littorina is located on a volcanic hill in Iceland, designed to connect with its stunning natural surroundings. The building serves as a restaurant, offering visitors views of a nearby lake and a peninsula-shaped hill. The design revolves around a circular shape that highlights the relationship between the structure and the landscape, promoting an easy flow between indoors and outdoors.

Structural Design

The building features a reinforced concrete system, providing a strong foundation that supports its overall structure. Above this, a thin roof made entirely of steel trusses enhances the building’s stability while allowing for an open and flexible interior space. This combination of materials reflects contemporary construction methods while ensuring durability.

Interior Organization

Inside, the first floor includes key functional areas such as a main electromechanical storage space and an indoor rural area. The layout is designed around a central dining area, which invites interaction among guests. Surrounding this space are the entrance foyer, guest reception, and lobby facilities, all arranged to make circulation simple and intuitive. The design encourages a communal environment where patrons can feel comfortable.

Connection to Environment

A notable feature of Littorina is the large glass deck that allows light to enter the space while keeping it protected from direct sunlight. Below this deck, indoor greenhouse plants provide a soft, ambient glow that brightens the interior. The design effectively ties the indoor experience to the outdoor environment, creating a space that feels open and connected to the exceptional Icelandic landscape. This thoughtful integration makes the restaurant an inviting place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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