Myvatn - Green Box
Location
Myvatn, Iceland
Overview
Mývatn is a land of dramatic contrasts with awe-inspiring natural wonders. As you walk towards The Hverfjall crater, an alien structure of glass and greenery rises from the volcanic landscape. The path splits: one way descends into the moonscape, another leads to the gleaming cube, and the last to a mysterious vista. Visitors are faced with the choice of exploring the moon, the jungle, or a temple of gastronomy.
This ambitious project blends a restaurant and greenhouse into the hillside, preserving the breathtaking views. The solution to the site’s topographical challenges includes a hidden entrance level and a 360-degree viewing platform, allowing visitors to experience the atmospheric surroundings. The restaurant and greenhouse are integrated discreetly into the landscape, focusing attention on the floating glass box. effectively camouflaging the house and preserving a continuous green landscape.
The sustainable greenhouse is designed to cultivate tropical plants near the Arctic Circle, using geothermal energy and rainwater. The glass roof, consisting of two modules, collects water through tree-like columns that feed the crops below. Geothermal heat pumps and generators provide power for the entire complex, demonstrating how modern technology can support growth in extreme environments.
Constructed with local materials and recycled steel, the building maintains a simple, tectonic design that blends with the raw landscape. The use of sustainable wood for interiors and roof supports ensures a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The Mývatn Green Box harmonizes unity, flexibility, and contrast, offering a unique exploration of a land of ice and fire.
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