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Weathered Steel and Greenery in a Farm-to-Table Experience

Authors:
Changbin Kim, Sunghyun Kim, Jisoo Kim
Weathered Steel and Greenery in a Farm-to-Table Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathered steel and extensive glazing, the building harmonizes with its natural surroundings while providing a unique farm-to-table dining experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a weathered steel frame for durability and stability.
02
Equipped with low E glass panels to enhance energy efficiency and natural lighting.
03
Features extensive glazing to create a strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Designed to reflect the local topography, accommodating elevation changes within the layout.
05
Integrates biophilic design principles to promote a sense of well-being among visitors.

The Myvatn Greenhouse Restaurant is located near Mývatn Lake in Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland. It serves as a farm-to-table establishment, emphasizing the close relationship between the greenhouse, dining spaces, and service areas. The overall design creates a connection between visitors and the natural landscape, encouraging movement and interaction within the building.

Architectural Concept

The restaurant focuses on three main elements: greenhouse, dining, and service. This structure enhances functionality by allowing guests to move easily through different areas. The layout supports a natural transition from the greenhouse to dining spaces, making it accessible and comfortable. The design takes advantage of the changes in elevation, guiding patrons through the space with ease.

Materials and Structure

The choice of materials is important for both performance and aesthetics. The frame of the building uses H-section weathered steel, which provides strength and stability. Windows feature low E glass panels, allowing natural light to enter while improving energy efficiency. These materials not only serve the practical needs of the greenhouse but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the dining areas. The inclusion of double-glazing U-glass panels and oakwood panels adds to the thermal efficiency and enhances the visual comfort.

Interior Experience

The design of the roof is significant as it captures sunlight effectively. This feature not only benefits the plants in the greenhouse but also enriches the dining experience. Natural light changes throughout the day, creating different moods within the space. Shadows and light interact in ways that connect visitors to the outdoor environment, allowing them to feel part of the landscape.

Engagement with Nature

Myvatn Greenhouse Restaurant embodies principles of biophilic design. It focuses on well-being by incorporating natural materials and light. Every component of the building works together to encourage an appreciation for the surrounding environment. Expansive glass windows provide views of nature, allowing the indoors and outdoors to blend. This design approach creates a welcoming atmosphere that respects the natural beauty of the area.

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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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