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Buried Concrete Escape With Dark Wood Accents

Authors:
Maximiliano Olivares croxatto, Lucas Knust, Thomas Wanckel
Buried Concrete Escape With Dark Wood Accents

Project in-detail

Buried partially underground, the coffee shop utilizes rocky concrete and dark wood to create a warm, inviting refuge for visitors seeking comfort and connection with the natural landscape surrounding Hverfjall volcano.
5 key facts about this project
01
Main gathering area is set one meter below ground to enhance visitor immersion.
02
Exhibition space features locally sourced rocks, promoting environmental education.
03
Interior layout design prioritizes openness and flexibility around a central axis.
04
Perimeter columns allow unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Material selection includes rocky concrete to reflect the local geology.

The Hverfjall Coffee Shop is situated in Iceland, close to the Hverfjall volcano. The design focuses on providing a comfortable space for coffee drinkers and hikers alike. It is meant to blend with the landscape, appearing as a part of the natural environment rather than as a separate structure. This creates an inviting atmosphere filled with light and open views, encouraging visitors to explore and enjoy their surroundings.

Site Integration

The coffee shop features a ground level that is partially buried, creating a sense of stability and permanence. This choice allows the building to remain mostly hidden from distant views, while its raised elements highlight the nearby volcano. The outer columns support a flexible interior layout, which fosters movement and interaction within the space. A striking piece of dark wooden furniture runs through the center, organizing functional areas and concealing structural supports.

Interior Experience

Inside, the design prioritizes visitor experience by placing the main gathering area one meter below ground level. Large windows framed by the concrete provide views of the volcano, inviting natural light into the space. This arrangement allows guests to appreciate the dramatic landscape while enjoying their coffee. Essential functions, such as cafeteria services, information points, bathrooms, and administrative areas, are carefully integrated within the central bar design, promoting efficiency and accessibility.

Exhibition Space

An important feature of the coffee shop is the exhibition area, located two meters underground. This space aims to highlight Iceland's geological heritage through an organized display of local rocks. By fostering an educational connection to the area's natural history, the exhibition adds another layer to the visitor experience while complementing the coffee shop's main purpose.

Final Design Element

The choice of materials includes rocky concrete and dark wood, both of which contribute to the overall atmosphere. The unfinished texture of the concrete resonates with the surrounding landscape, offering a visual connection to the environment. In contrast, the warmth of the wood provides comfort, creating a balanced design that serves as a welcoming gathering place for visitors to rest and reflect amidst Iceland's unique beauty.

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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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