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Copper Door Architecture With Volcanic Ash Facade in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Joakim Häggström, Helena Maripuu, Tea Druškovic
Copper Door Architecture With Volcanic Ash Facade in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Incorporating a facade of volcanic ash and prominent copper doors, the center provides a welcoming space for visitors to engage with the dramatic Icelandic landscape surrounding Hverfjall.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facade incorporates local volcanic ash for durability and aesthetic alignment with the landscape.
02
Sheltered central courtyard creates a protected gathering space amid Iceland's harsh weather.
03
Large copper doors provide functionality and serve as a canvas for engraved information about the site.
04
Accessibility features include a wheelchair-friendly promenade for scenic enjoyment.
05
A newly planted birch tree in the courtyard symbolizes ecological history and reforestation efforts.

The Hverfjall Visitor Center is located in the scenic landscape of Mývatn, Iceland. It provides a space for people to gather near the prominent Hverfjall volcano. Designed to handle the region's often severe weather, the center focuses on creating a connection to the surrounding nature while offering shelter for visitors throughout the year. The core idea is to blend functionality with an experience that encourages appreciation of the area's natural beauty.

Design and Layout

At the center of the visitor facility is a sheltered courtyard that offers a place for gathering and relaxation. The building has a closed appearance on the outside but opens up to the courtyard inside. This space acts as a focal point, enhancing the connection between different areas and framing views of the beautiful landscape outside.



Geographical Considerations

Careful planning aligns the design with important geographical features such as Hverfjall, Vindbelgarfjall, and the lake of Mývatn. Large openings face these views, allowing visitors to take in the scenery while remaining protected from the weather. This arrangement encourages a natural flow between the indoor areas and the surrounding environment.



Materiality

The outer facade consists of concrete slabs mixed with local volcanic ash. This choice reflects the geological features of the site and improves the building's durability in tough weather. The appearance of the concrete changes in wet conditions, linking the structure visually with the landscape. The selected materials aim to reduce maintenance while enhancing the overall look of the center.



Interior Experience

Inside, the atmosphere is warmer and more inviting, providing a distinct contrast to the strong exterior. The layout allows for easy movement between the reception area, the exhibition spaces, and the café, creating a logical connection throughout the facility. A notable feature is a newly planted birch tree in the courtyard. This element represents a connection to Iceland’s ecological history, reminding visitors of the landscape that once was. The tree adds a sensory experience and situates the center within its natural context.

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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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