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Charred Wood and Gabion Walls Integrate Cafe and Exhibition Space in Northern Iceland

Authors:
Marco Erdenberger, Sebastian Lopez
Charred Wood and Gabion Walls Integrate Cafe and Exhibition Space in Northern Iceland

Project in-detail

Combining charred wood and gabion walls, the design integrates with the rugged Icelandic landscape to create an inviting café and exhibition space that encourages exploration and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates charred wood for thermal resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes gabion walls to reflect local geological features.
03
Features a central courtyard inspired by Hverfjall’s topology.
04
Offers dual pathways for varied visitor experiences to exhibitions.
05
Incorporates a rock climbing wall to enhance visitor engagement.

The design located in northern Iceland integrates thoughtfully with its unique geographical features. The key concept emphasizes embedding the structure within the natural landscape, allowing that environment to flow over the main exhibition space and café. This design enhances visitor experiences by guiding them along a ramp from the parking area, creating a natural transition into the building.

Central Courtyard
A central courtyard is a notable feature that reflects the rugged qualities of Hverfjall. This space serves as a gathering point and connects the different parts of the design. It encourages outdoor activities and exploration, reinforcing the relationship between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the layout is carefully organized with important areas like the visitor information point and the main lobby. The lobby includes an activity center that features a rock climbing wall, inviting active participation. Visitors can access the café in the west wing and choose pathways that lead to the main exhibition hall. These options allow for varied perspectives on the exhibits, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Materiality
Material choices play an important role in expressing the local context. Shou Sugi Ban, or charred wood, is used for the inner walls of the courtyard in both the exhibition building and the office block. This choice creates a strong connection to the volcanic landscape. Black stone-filled gabion cages are positioned for retaining walls and pathways, reflecting the geological characteristics of the area while providing stability.

Architectural Expression
The office block features a façade covered in corrugated aluminum, which resonates with the local environment. This material creates a reflective surface that responds to the changing weather, allowing the architecture to interact visually with the landscape. Operable windows are cleverly concealed within the exterior shell. This design results in a solid appearance that maintains the overall flow of the structure without interruption.

As visitors ascend the main ramp toward the entrance, they encounter wide views framed by the building itself, effectively blurring the lines between indoor spaces and the natural surroundings. This connection deepens their engagement with the landscape, enhancing the overall experience.

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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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