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Concave Steel Roof Reflecting Volcanic Landscape in Northern Iceland

Authors:
Chen Yang, Fenglin Hong, Dingran Chen
Concave Steel Roof Reflecting Volcanic Landscape in Northern Iceland
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A concave mirrored roof reflects the volcanic landscape while a public courtyard and pool provide functional spaces for visitors in the Mývatn region, creating a unique resting point for hikers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concave roof acts as a mirror, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape.
02
Constructed with prestressed steel plates for enhanced structural efficiency.
03
Features a public courtyard integrated with a functional water pool.
04
Design guides visitors through a dark tunnel into an open communal space.
05
Located at the foot of Hverfjall volcano, providing direct access to hiking trails.

The café by Hverfjall Volcano is located in the Mývatn region of northern Iceland, characterized by its volcanic landscape and calm lake. The café serves as a rest stop for hikers and a comfortable meeting point for visitors. The design emphasizes harmony with the surroundings, featuring a roof that acts as a mirror to reflect the sky, enhancing the connection between the structure and its environment.

Roof Design
The standout feature of the café is its concave mirrored roof, which reflects the nearby Lake Mývatn. This roof's circular shape allows it to blend naturally with the landscape. It is elevated on one side, creating a sense of openness while maintaining a connection to the volcanic terrain below. The tapering design draws visitors' eyes upward, encouraging them to appreciate the expansive sky.

Structural Elements
The café is supported by four main columns made from prestressed steel plates. These columns provide necessary stability while keeping the overall structure light. Their placement ensures that the roof remains visible from the trails, marking the site in the landscape. This careful balance of form and function encourages interaction with the natural surroundings.

Public Space and Visitor Experience
Visitors enter through a dark tunnel defined by a large curved wall that opens into a public courtyard. On one side of the courtyard is the café, while the other side features a public pool for visitors to use. This design preserves the volcanic geology and offers a communal area for various gatherings, enriching social interactions among guests.

Interior Ambiance
Inside the café, the atmosphere provides a contrast to the outside. The layout separates the public areas from the working spaces, allowing for a comfortable visitor experience without disrupting service. Design elements draw inspiration from the local landscape, helping to connect guests with the stunning scenery around Hverfjall Volcano.

The café's mirrored roof serves not just as an architectural feature but as a reflection of the environment, creating a strong link between the building and the landscape it occupies.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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