Description

The competition consisted on designing a greenhouse concept restaurant in the Myvatn region known for its fairytale-like and unique landscape which is dominated by the former strong volcanic activity like the enormous Hverfjall crater which is considered to be one of the largest and best preserved circular volcanos in the world. Fascinated by the magic, yet melancholic nature of the Icelandic surroundings, we started analysing the existing cracks and hidden water caves, which in a way represent the invisible presence of nature in our area of study. Finding presence in the absent nature and the hidden life in the silent surroundings was our first inspiration. Life from within, the most powerful yet invisible form of life, ready to outburst its hidden beauty. Our goal was to create a space that emerged as a crack from the ground, a place to leave time in suspension and have a peaceful mental and physical getaway, a place of enlightenment and mindfulness. The first step for the concept design of the greenhouse is to follow these crater shapes and therewith to connect to the main architype of the surrounding morphologies. We propose a circular shape design that follow the existing lines of the terrain. To give the desired orientation towards the Hverfjall volcano and the magnificent Myvatn nature baths, we open it up by partially cutting it, creating this way a semi-circular moon shaped building. The rigid outer basalt shell of the building protects as a shelter the glazed semi-transparent inside core of it, where life emerges, and where the greenhouse is positioned. Towards the south, the building gets lower, so it merges with the existing heights of the landscape. In the most southern point, it literally disappears in the ground next to a crack shaped basalt wall, inspired by the existing landscape.

Our design philosophy consists in creating a warm shelter covered by this rigid cold and melancholic layer of the existing terrain, a green contemplating getaway that emerges from the depth of the ground and becomes alive on the surface, shaping another crater that gets lost into the outer space. Our goal is to create a meditative and emotional space that has the capacity to change the chemistry within us, that sticks to our memory and feelings with its magnificent connection to the breathtaking surroundings and its peaceful and healing atmosphere.