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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

Project in-detail

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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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
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