Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant

Despite its name, Iceland is much more than just a land of ice. Formed in part by volcanic eruptions, Iceland is home to around 130 volcanic mountains, many of which are still considered active to this day. Iceland’s geothermals waters naturally heat many of its beautiful, mineral-rich lagoons, such as the secluded and peaceful Mývatn nature baths in northern Iceland, which sit in between Lake Mývatn lake and the Hverfjall volcano.

The Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant competition is a collaboration with Vogafjós Farm Resort, located east of lake Mývatn. For this competition, participants are tasked with designing a greenhouse concept restaurant. Fresh, locally grown foods are scarce in Iceland, particularly during the winter months. The Greenhouse Restaurant competition is calling for submissions for designs of a greenhouse that would also function as a dine-in restaurant. The green house would allow Vogafjós Farm to grow salad vegetables, fruits, and berries that could then be served in the restaurant, offering the guests an immersive experience as well as delicious, locally -produced food.

Designs for the Greenhouse Restaurant would need to accommodate around 100 guests and include standard amenities, such as an appropriately-sized kitchen, storage facilities, and toilets. The owners would like to develop a restaurant in which customers could see how the food that they’ll be eating is grown, combined with a view of the milky blue mineral water of Mývatn Nature Baths on one side and Hverfjall volcano on the other.

The owners are also looking to include a multipurpose hall that can be used for a number of different events, such as movie nights and yoga classes. Any additional functionality can be suggested where appropriate. The naturally heated hot springs can be used as a heating source, but it is not a mandatory requirement .

As winning designs will be put forward for consideration for construction, the jury will be looking for projects that focus on eco-friendly and cost-effective building techniques, in keeping with Iceland’s reputation as one of the greenest countries in Europe. 

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 3 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Bee Breeders will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize - 5,000 €
2nd Prize - 2,000 €
3rd Prize - 1,000 €

+ 6 honourable mentions

“Vogafjós Farm Resort Favourite” Award - 1,000 € 
ARCHHIVE Student Award - 500 € + 50 € gift card at ARCHHIVE BOOKS
Bee Breeders Green Award - 500 € 

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Final Registration: SEPTEMBER 17 – NOVEMBER 11 

Final registration deadline: NOVEMBER 11, 2021 
Closing date for submission: DECEMBER 15, 2021 (11:59 p.m. GMT) 
Announcement of the winners: FEBRUARY 24, 2022

More: architecturecompetitions.com/icelandrestaurant/

JURY:

Enlai Hooi, Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Jette Hopp, Snøhetta
Pálmar Kristmundsson, PK Arkitektar
Katie MacDonald, After Architecture
Christina Seilern, Studio Seilern Architects
Hjördís Sigurðardóttir, ALDIN Biodome.
Valdis Steinarsdottir, designer

Aerial view of Hverfjall crater and Rocky landcape of Dimmuborgir, Iceland

The green house would allow Vogafjós Farm to grow salad vegetables, fruits, and berries that could then be served in the restaurant

The Vogafjós Farm Resort offers an up close and personal experience for diners and The Cow Café visitors are able to watch the cows from the café

The owners would like to develop a restaurant in which customers could see how the food that they’ll be eating is grown

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Final Registration: SEPTEMBER 17 – NOVEMBER 11 

Final registration deadline: NOVEMBER 11, 2021 
Closing date for submission: DECEMBER 15, 2021 (11:59 p.m. GMT) 
Announcement of the winners: FEBRUARY 24, 2022

More: architecturecompetitions.com/icelandrestaurant/