Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing Define a Community Hub Near Hiking Trails

Author:
Mohamed Emara
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glazing Define a Community Hub Near Hiking Trails

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and a design that harmonizes with natural hiking trails, the community hub offers a welcoming space for interaction and respite amid Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the natural landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and captures natural light.
04
A dedicated exhibition area fosters local culture and community engagement.
05
The building’s orientation promotes seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
The Hverfjall Travelers’ Hall is a well-conceived architectural project situated in Iceland, designed to serve as a communal space for locals and visitors. With an emphasis on cultural interaction, the hall echoes the traditions of Viking gathering places while providing a modern venue for socialization and respite. The structure aligns with a popular hiking trail, integrating the architectural form with the natural landscape that is a defining characteristic of the region.

Design Function and Layout
The primary function of Hverfjall Travelers’ Hall is to operate as a coffee shop and social hub. The well-defined layout includes a central dining area, reminiscent of historical Viking halls, promoting communal dining and interaction. A prominent entrance, characterized by an A-frame structure, creates a welcoming threshold for visitors. A long pathway leads through the space, reinforcing continuity between the building and the surrounding landscape. This design not only facilitates movement but also ensures that visiting the hall becomes an extension of the outdoor experience.

Sustainable Material Choices
The project incorporates several sustainable materials that reflect the local context and enhance its architectural integrity. Local stone forms the foundation and is combined with wood, which is used for structural elements and finishes, contributing to a warm ambiance. The strategic use of glass allows for ample natural light, fostering a connection with the external environment while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting. These material choices contribute not just to aesthetic appeal but are aligned with principles of passive design aimed at energy efficiency.

Cultural Integration and Social Spaces
What distinguishes the Hverfjall Travelers’ Hall from numerous coffee shop designs is its emphasis on cultural integration. The architects envisioned this space as more than a commercial establishment; it serves as a cultural landmark for both locals and tourists. Spaces within the hall can accommodate exhibitions and storytelling sessions, further enhancing its role in community engagement. This multifunctionality promotes a deeper connection to the Icelandic heritage, allowing visitors to experience a blend of tradition and contemporary convenience.

The design choices made in the Hverfjall Travelers’ Hall accentuate its unique standing in the architectural landscape. By prioritizing local materials, energy efficiency, and cultural relevance, this project offers a model for how architecture can resonate with both history and modern functionality. For deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas involved in this project, further exploration is encouraged.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy