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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Enrich Community Hub Among Volcanic Landscapes

Authors:
Peter Himmelstein, Jeff Soler, Minghao Yang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Enrich Community Hub Among Volcanic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Set against the rugged backdrop of Hverfjall’s volcanic landscape, the use of charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone creates a multifunctional visitors center that seamlessly connects nature and community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone, reducing transportation impact.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance while enhancing aesthetics.
03
The bent A-frame design offers structural integrity and maximizes interior space.
04
Integrated pathways connect the center to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
05
A birch grove landscaping initiative supports local biodiversity and ecological education.

The Hverfjall Visitors Center is an architectural project located at the foot of Hverfjall, a prominent volcano in Northern Iceland. Designed to cater to tourists, the center serves as both an information hub and a gathering space that fosters a connection with the surrounding landscape. The project aims to enhance visitor experience while promoting appreciation for the geological and ecological significance of the region. With a focus on sustainable design, the center incorporates local materials and respects the natural environment.

Integration of Landscape and Architecture

A key aspect of the design is its integration with the volcanic landscape. The form of the building is inspired by the terrain, reflecting the shapes and textures found in the surroundings. The architects utilized an organic design approach that aligns the structure with the natural contours of the land. This deliberate consideration of the site creates a harmonious relationship between the architecture and the environment, distinguishing this project from more conventional designs.

The choice of materials further enhances the project's unique characteristics. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability while allowing for expansive and open interior spaces. Local wood accents create warmth within the building, while glass walls facilitate natural light and views of the landscape. Additionally, the use of natural stone in landscaping ties the building to its surroundings, aligning it with local geology.

Visitor-Focused Functional Areas

The Hverfjall Visitors Center includes several functional areas designed to cater to diverse visitor needs. A café serves as a social space, providing refreshments and allowing visitors to relax while taking in panoramic views of the landscape. Informative exhibition spaces educate guests about the geological history of Hverfjall and the surrounding environment, featuring a timeline that illustrates the area's significance over thousands of years. The intentional layout promotes circulation throughout the center, encouraging exploration.

Paths and trails are integrated into the site, guiding visitors to experience the natural beauty of the landscape. These features not only enhance accessibility but also foster a deeper connection between visitors and the unique geological features of Hverfjall.

The overall design of the Hverfjall Visitors Center embodies a thoughtful balance between built environment and natural elements, promoting sustainable interaction with the landscape. For a more comprehensive understanding of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore additional resources on this project presentation.

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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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