Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Circular Café Integrated with Tinted Glass and Natural Stone in a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Muhammad khairie Bin seripudin, Amirauf Mohd jainar, Mohd azman Bin harun, Muhammad samad iqbal Bin kamal
Circular Café Integrated with Tinted Glass and Natural Stone in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

A circular structure crafted from natural stone and adorned with tinted glass unfolds amidst the volcanic landscape of Hverfjall, creating a welcoming café that fosters community engagement while harmoniously connecting with its stunning environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The café is designed with a circular shape, reflecting the concept of a coffee cup.
02
Tinted glass is strategically used to reduce glare while maximizing natural light throughout the space.
03
Natural stone facades blend seamlessly with the surrounding volcanic landscape, enhancing environmental integration.
04
The interior features oak wood flooring, connecting the café's aesthetics to the natural elements of its setting.
05
Levels are organized to provide panoramic views, allowing patrons to enjoy the landscape while socializing.
The SOVA Coffee Shop project embodies a thoughtful integration between architecture and the surrounding landscape of Hverfjall in Northern Iceland. This distinctive design not only serves as a functional space for coffee enthusiasts but also captures the cultural essence of the region, fostering a sense of community and engagement with the natural environment.

Central to the design is the concept of a coffee cup, which symbolizes warmth and social interaction. This motif manifests in the building's circular form, evoking the inviting qualities of a traditional cup while simultaneously serving a practical purpose of shelter and comfort. The elevation of the structure—with a first floor dedicated to a welcoming lobby and a second floor offering panoramic views—enhances the visitor experience by inviting patrons to enjoy their beverages against a stunning backdrop of Iceland’s unique geological features.

The architectural choices made in this project reflect an emphasis on materiality and the harmonious interplay between the built environment and nature. The use of slated roof tiles not only allows for effective insulation but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, allowing the building to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Tinted glass windows are strategically placed throughout the structure to balance natural light with glare reduction, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for all who enter. Furthermore, the selection of oak wood flooring and stone tiles brings an organic touch to the space, reinforcing the connection to the natural world.

The spatial organization inside the SOVA Coffee Shop is designed with intentionality. The first floor features well-planned seating arrangements that promote social interaction, making it an ideal setting for both solitary visitors and groups. On the second floor, patrons can enjoy an elevated perspective, allowing them to appreciate Iceland's dramatic landscape while enjoying their coffee. This dual-functionality of the space underscores the project's commitment to fostering community engagement through shared experiences.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the SOVA Coffee Shop, particularly in the treatment of its exterior. The dynamic shapes and angles of the building enhance its visibility and appeal, while large expanses of glass allow for a degree of transparency that connects the interior space with the outside world. Outdoor seating areas are thoughtfully incorporated, providing visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the beauty of the Icelandic environment.

SOVA Coffee Shop stands out not only through its functional and aesthetic qualities but also in its sustainability initiatives, as the design minimally disrupts the natural landscape. The choice of materials and forms prioritizes environmental harmony, reinforcing a commitment to building practices that respect and enhance the local ecosystem.

In summary, the SOVA Coffee Shop project reflects a comprehensive understanding of architecture as a medium for social engagement and appreciation of nature. Its thoughtful design choices, both in terms of materials and spatial organization, present a profound yet approachable example of contemporary architectural practice. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this project further, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, a deeper look into the presentation will provide valuable insights into the architectural processes and considerations involved.
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 16544 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