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Vertical Gardens and Glass Panels Enhance Sustainable Dining in a Natural Setting

Author:
Jacqueline Dimitrova
Vertical Gardens and Glass Panels Enhance Sustainable Dining in a Natural Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and extensive glass panels, the design seamlessly integrates with the Icelandic landscape while serving as a multifunctional space for dining and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens that utilize local flora for enhanced air quality.
02
Features extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and connection to the surroundings.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Includes a bent A-frame design to blend harmoniously with the Icelandic landscape.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant is a contemporary architectural project situated in the unique Icelandic landscape. Designed to function as a multifunctional space, this structure serves as a restaurant, café, and guesthouse, integrating seamlessly with the natural environment. Its architectural vision emphasizes sustainable practices, showcasing a thoughtful relationship between built form and surroundings.

The overall design employs contemporary architectural principles that prioritize energy efficiency, natural light, and user experience. Large glass panels form the façade, promoting transparency and a connection with the outdoors. This not only allows for abundant natural lighting but also visually brings the landscape into the dining spaces. The roof’s angular form reflects the nearby mountain ranges, creating a cohesive aesthetic that resonates with the site’s topography.

Sustainability is central to the architectural approach, bringing together various innovative features that are designed to enhance both environmental performance and user comfort. The vertical garden walls integrated into the façade exemplify this commitment, showcasing local plant species to support biodiversity while providing natural insulation. This feature also contributes to indoor air quality by filtering pollutants.

Unique Design Approaches

The project distinguishes itself through its exemplary integration of local materials and eco-friendly practices. Stone concrete is used for structural elements, ensuring durability while harmonizing with the natural setting. Wood accents in the interior spaces introduce warmth and create inviting atmospheres for guests. The combination of steel structural elements with natural materials provides a modern yet grounded aesthetic, which is balanced within the natural landscape.

The spatial organization reflects functional versatility, with designated areas for dining, lounging, and social interaction. An outdoor terrace extends the dining experience into the natural surroundings, allowing patrons to engage with the scenic vistas while enjoying their meals. This thoughtful layout not only caters to diverse usage but also enhances social connectivity among visitors.

Architectural Features and Materials

The architectural design employs a mix of materials that support both its visual identity and functional requirements. Prominent materials include glass for the façade, stone concrete for structural integrity, and locally sourced wood for interior finishes. These selections underscore the project’s sustainable ethos while reflecting the regional context of Iceland.

Moreover, the design explores various scales of interaction between built and natural environments, showcasing an innovative approach to landscaping. The incorporation of vertical gardens and native plantings serves as a testament to the commitment to environmental responsibility in architecture.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant represents a significant step in merging architectural innovation with ecological mindfulness, resulting in a space that is both practical and harmonious with its environment. For a deeper understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, further exploration of the presentation is encouraged.

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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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