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Weathered Steel and Low-E Glass Harmonizing With Nature's Palette in Sustainable Dining Experience

Authors:
Changbin Kim, Sunghyun Kim, Jisoo Kim
Weathered Steel and Low-E Glass Harmonizing With Nature's Palette in Sustainable Dining Experience

Project in-detail

Crafted from weathered steel and adorned with low-E glass, this dining space seamlessly integrates with its Icelandic landscape, offering an immersive farm-to-table experience rooted in sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The integrated greenhouse serves dual purposes, providing fresh produce for the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience.
02
Weathered steel is utilized for structural elements, ensuring durability and a sense of connection to the rugged Icelandic landscape.
03
Low-E glass panels maximize natural light while minimizing energy consumption, promoting a sustainable environment for both plants and diners.
04
The design includes a bent A-frame structure, allowing for optimal sunlight capture and creating dynamic interior spaces.
05
Oakwood panels within the interior add warmth and a natural aesthetic, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
The Myvatn Greenhouse Restaurant is an architectural project situated in the striking landscapes of Iceland, specifically near Myvatn Lake. This design not only serves the unique function of a dining facility but also operates as an active greenhouse, embodying the principles of sustainability and local food sourcing. Within its structure, the restaurant promotes the concept of farm-to-table dining, encouraging a connection between guests and the origins of their meals.

At the heart of the project is its dual function, which reflects a broader narrative about food production and consumption. The architecture facilitates a seamless interaction between the dining experience and agricultural practices, allowing visitors to engage with the growing processes. This integration fosters an appreciation for the local food system, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the culinary world.

The architectural composition of the Myvatn Greenhouse Restaurant is notable for its thoughtful design. The building is organized into distinct functional areas, including the greenhouse, the dining space, and service facilities. The spatial arrangement is intuitive, promoting a natural flow as guests move from the greenhouse areas filled with plants to the dining space where they can savor freshly harvested produce. This layout not only enhances the visitor experience but also promotes engagement with the agricultural aspects of the project.

Materiality plays a critical role in the overall design of the restaurant. Key materials include weathered steel, which forms the structural framework, ensuring durability in the face of Iceland's challenging weather conditions. Low-E glass panels provide energy efficiency while allowing ample natural light necessary for plant growth in the greenhouse. The use of double glazing contributes to the thermal comfort of the dining spaces, maintaining an inviting atmosphere for guests. Interior surfaces utilize oakwood panels, which add warmth and a natural touch to the interior environment, creating a welcoming setting for those who dine there. The flooring consists of ceramic tiles, chosen for their durability and capacity to withstand the varying moisture levels typical of a greenhouse-dining environment.

One of the unique design approaches of this project is its emphasis on environmental integration. The building is purposely situated to respond to the natural topography of the Icelandic landscape, resulting in an architectural form that harmonizes with its surroundings. The roof design is particularly noteworthy, optimized to capture sunlight and channel it effectively for the greenhouse while simultaneously offering shelter to the dining area. This design technique not only contributes to the building's functionality but also establishes a visual connection between the architecture and the natural world.

Through its architecture, the Myvatn Greenhouse Restaurant embodies a commitment to sustainability that is increasingly relevant in today's society. By marrying the concepts of food cultivation and dining, it serves as an educational space that highlights the importance of environmental stewardship. The restaurant acts as a platform for raising awareness about local food systems and encouraging eco-friendly practices among its visitors.

For those who wish to explore the Myvatn Greenhouse Restaurant further, reviewing the architectural plans and sections will provide deeper insights into the design's functionality and aesthetic considerations. This project represents a thoughtful and innovative approach to architecture that fosters a dialogue between food, environment, and community. Engaging with the presentation of this project can lead to a greater understanding of its architectural ideas and how they can influence the future of sustainable design in similar settings.
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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
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