Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vegetable Gardens Integrated Within Transparent Modules Overlooking Natural Springs

Author:
Giuseppe Vultaggio
Vegetable Gardens Integrated Within Transparent Modules Overlooking Natural Springs

Project in-detail

Transparent modules with integrated vegetable gardens create a direct connection between diners and their food, all while offering unobstructed views of the Hverfjall volcano in a unique dining environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique layout integrates five modular sections, with two opaque and three transparent structures.
02
Features vegetable gardens within dining areas to enhance farm-to-table experiences.
03
Designed to maximize views of Hverfjall volcano and the surrounding natural landscape.
04
Flooring color scheme transitions from greens to blues, reflecting local vegetation and water.
05
Allows for year-round food production in a climate-sensitive greenhouse setting.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is located near Hverfjall volcano in Mývatn, Iceland. This area is known for its remarkable natural landscape, which makes it a fitting location for a restaurant. The design focuses on the idea of a greenhouse, allowing visitors to see how their food is grown while enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. The building’s long shape is positioned to face the volcano, creating a direct connection between the restaurant and this striking landmark.

Design Structure

The layout includes five modular sections, each measuring 20 by 20 meters. The first two modules are solid, housing essential services such as the kitchen, staff changing areas, storage, and restrooms. This arrangement keeps everything needed for efficient operation in one space, making it easier for staff to manage the required services.



Open Spaces

The other three modules are designed to be transparent, which allows ample natural light inside and grants views of the outside environment. The kitchen is placed behind a large window, giving diners a view of the cooking process. This transparent design encourages a connection between the dining experience and the kitchen, enhancing the overall experience of eating out.



Engaging Dining

Dining areas are designed on different levels and are integrated with spaces for growing vegetables. This setup encourages a farm-to-table concept, where diners can see the food growing while enjoying their meal. The layout promotes interaction between guests and the garden, allowing customers to better appreciate the fresh ingredients used in their dishes.



Color and Mood

One unique aspect of the restaurant is its colorful floor design. The flooring features a range of colors that shift from greens representing the surrounding plants to deep blues like the nearby lakes. This careful choice of colors helps create a warm atmosphere inside and strengthens the relationship between the building and its natural surroundings. The overall design encourages visitors to feel that their dining experience is connected to the rich landscape of Iceland.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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