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Burnt Wood Refuge Integrating Natural Elements for Hiker Comfort

Author:
Shayna Cini
Burnt Wood Refuge Integrating Natural Elements for Hiker Comfort
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Constructed with burnt wood siding, the coffee shop serves as a warm refuge for hikers at the base of Hverfjall volcano, integrating natural elements to enhance visitor experience in a rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with burnt wood siding, the building reflects the local volcanic landscape.
02
Paths around the coffee shop mimic natural hiking trails, enhancing accessibility.
03
A long, winding check-in desk offers educational resources about Hverfjall.
04
Built-in benches in the coffee shop provide flexible social seating options.
05
Geographical information is integrated into the surfaces to connect visitors with the site’s history.

The Hverfjall Coffee Shop is positioned at the base of the dormant Hverfjall volcano in Iceland, designed to serve as a welcoming space for hikers and visitors. It provides warmth and comfort in an otherwise cold and stark environment filled with blue-gray rocks and volcanic formations. The overall design expresses a connection to the natural landscape, reflecting the site's geological features and creating a refuge for those exploring the area.

Exterior Design
The coffee shop features burnt wood siding, a choice that mirrors the nearby Dimmuborgir lava formations. This material helps blend the building into the volcanic landscape while offering a modern aesthetic. The sloping roof and illuminated walls enhance its inviting character, encouraging visitors to enter and experience the space.

Pathway Configuration
Surrounding pathways are crafted to resemble hiking trails, making it easy for guests to find their way around the building. This thoughtful layout connects the coffee shop to the nearby trails, providing clear access points for those seeking shelter. The paths create a friendly approach, ensuring visitors feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

Interior Layout
Inside, the visitor center offers a warm atmosphere. A long, winding check-in desk greets guests with information about the Hverfjall region. This layout promotes easy movement and encourages social interactions among visitors. In the coffee shop area, a coffee bar acts as a gathering point, surrounded by built-in benches for comfort and flexibility.

Design Elements
The contrast between the warm interior and the chilly exterior gives the building its unique character. Throughout the visitor center, geographical information is etched into surfaces, enhancing understanding of the area's geological history. Each aspect of the design emphasizes a connection to the landscape, allowing guests to appreciate the environment while enjoying a cozy refuge.

Comfort is prioritized in the design through features like the coffee bar and sitting areas, which provide spaces for people to relax and engage with one another. The attention to detail is clear, making the Hverfjall Coffee Shop a thoughtful addition to the natural surroundings.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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