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Biophilic Coffee Shop Featuring Turf Roof and Reinforced Concrete Integration

Authors:
Bruno marco Gismondi, Frida isabel Pett, Lorena Gismondi pett
Biophilic Coffee Shop Featuring Turf Roof and Reinforced Concrete Integration

Project in-detail

A turf roof cleverly integrates with the volcanic landscape while locally sourced timber and reinforced concrete provide structural integrity, resulting in a multifunctional coffee shop that enhances community engagement with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roof enhances insulation while blending with the volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and promote sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles create fire resistance while adding visual texture.
04
Modular design allows for future expansions without disrupting the environment.
05
Integrated rainwater management systems support ecological stewardship.

The Rock Volcano Coffee Project is an architectural endeavor situated in a distinctly volcanic landscape, reflecting a deep understanding of the surrounding environment. The design integrates seamlessly into its natural context while offering a multifunctional space intended primarily as a coffee shop. The project aims to foster a connection between visitors and the unique geological features of the area, utilizing local materials to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

The architectural design comprises several key areas, including the coffee shop itself alongside an exhibition hall dedicated to volcanic features, public restrooms, and office spaces. The layout promotes accessibility and fluid movement through these diverse functions, catering to both casual visitors and those seeking a deeper understanding of the local geology and ecology.

Design Innovation and Material Use

What distinguishes The Rock Volcano Coffee Project from conventional designs are its innovative approach to material selection and integration with the landscape. The use of locally sourced wood forms the primary structure, offering reliability and sustainability. Double glazing enhances thermal performance while providing expansive views of the surrounding area. Reinforced concrete serves as a robust foundation, facilitating effective water management systems within the structure.

Furthermore, the incorporation of turf on the roof establishes a living structure that minimizes the visual impact on the environment and allows for increased biodiversity. This biophilic design element underscores a commitment to sustainability while enriching the user experience. The structure’s geometric form, characterized by a dual-cube arrangement, embodies the tectonic nature of volcanic activity, creating an architectural dialogue with the landscape.

Functionality and Environmental Considerations

Functionality remains a core principle in the design of The Rock Volcano Coffee Project. The strategic arrangement of space ensures efficient use while allowing for future expansion. The coffee shop serves as an inviting social hub, seamlessly linking the indoor environment with the dramatic external landscape, which includes features like volcanic landforms and the spectacle of the Northern Lights.

The project’s commitment to environmental principles is evident in its advanced water management systems, which capture and filter rainwater for reuse. Gray water treatment processes further enhance the project’s sustainability credentials. The careful consideration of these elements positions the coffee shop as not only a place of service but as an educational platform on sustainable practices and local ecology.

By examining the architectural plans, sections, and designs of The Rock Volcano Coffee Project, interested parties can gain deeper insight into its thoughtful integration within its environment. This project invites exploration, showcasing how architecture can coexist harmoniously with nature while fulfilling community needs. For comprehensive technical details and visual resources, consider the architectural presentation associated with the project.

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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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