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Charred Wood Enclaves That Harmonize With Volcanic Landscapes for Community Engagement

Author:
Barbara Hajdukiewicz
Charred Wood Enclaves That Harmonize With Volcanic Landscapes for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wood to seamlessly blend with the surrounding volcanic terrain, this community hub invites visitors to explore its thoughtfully designed spaces for education and leisure.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes charred wood shingles to enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the structural framework, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
03
The layout is designed to mimic the natural volcanic contours, ensuring seamless integration with the landscape.
04
Large window openings are strategically placed to frame views of the surrounding geological features.
05
Interior spaces prioritize flexibility, allowing for various community functions and gatherings.
The Hverfjall Village project presents a thoughtful exploration of architecture that seamlessly integrates human activity with the natural landscape of Iceland, specifically situated near the volcanic formations of Hverfjall. This architectural endeavor embodies a balance between functionality, aesthetic appeal, and environmental sensitivity, making it a compelling model for future projects in similar settings.

Hverfjall Village is designed to serve multiple functions, including leisure, education, and cultural appreciation, drawing visitors from around the globe to engage with Iceland’s unique geological features. It represents a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, designed to encourage exploration and interaction. Each structure within the village is purposefully conceived to fulfill specific roles, including a coffee shop, exhibition spaces, and observation areas, facilitating social gatherings and information dissemination about the local environment.

A key aspect of Hverfjall Village is its distinctive design approach, which draws inspiration from the natural contours and formations of the Icelandic terrain. The arrangement and configuration of the buildings follow the natural topography, creating an organic flow that directs visitors to significant viewpoints. This subtle integration with the landscape not only respects the existing environment but also enhances the overall visitor experience, as individuals are invited to engage meaningfully with the beautiful vistas.

The architectural designs prioritize a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape through the carefully considered use of materials. Charred wood, recycled steel, and reinforced concrete form the structural backbone of the project, promoting sustainability while ensuring durability against Iceland's climatic challenges. The selection of these materials reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, with an emphasis on using local resources wherever possible. The aesthetic impact of charred wood, in particular, allows the structures to blend into the volcanic landscape while providing an attractive visual texture.

Unique to the Hverfjall Village project is its consideration of light and spatial interaction. Large window openings in prominent locations invite natural light into the interiors, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere that enhances the experience for visitors. The interior spaces are kept deliberately simple, allowing the architecture itself to take center stage while facilitating comfortable engagement with exhibits and social interactions. The verticality and height of certain areas are accentuated by linear light installations, which create a dynamic interaction between architectural form and illumination.

The site is organized to foster a sense of journey as visitors navigate their way through the village, guiding them from one functional zone to another. This path also serves as a conceptual connection to the volcanic landscape, with building forms reminiscent of natural earth formations. The design encourages exploration and discovery, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Iceland's geological features and rich cultural heritage.

Hverfjall Village stands as a testament to the possibilities of sensitive architectural design, effectively responding to environmental, cultural, and social needs. The project reinforces the connection between humanity and nature, elevating the experience of visiting a site of natural beauty. Those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and design processes that shaped Hverfjall Village are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes a detailed look at architectural plans, sections, and various elements that contribute to this engaging and educational space.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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