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Curved Roofs and Volcanic Ash Create a Community Hub in Iceland

Author:
Piotr Pawłowski
Curved Roofs and Volcanic Ash Create a Community Hub in Iceland

Project in-detail

Utilizing volcanic ash in its concrete roof and a dynamic, sloping form, the coffeehouse fosters community engagement while seamlessly integrating with Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with a roof that combines volcanic ash and concrete to mimic dried lava.
02
Features integrated LED lighting between roof plates to enhance visual appeal.
03
Includes a spiral staircase that serves as a focal point in the café area.
04
Utilizes prefabricated wooden pieces for efficient construction and assembly.
05
Incorporates glass tubes in the volcanic exposition area, illuminated to resemble the northern lights.

The MAGMAZZA Coffeehouse is located in a striking Icelandic landscape, serving as a welcoming space for both locals and visitors. The design draws inspiration from volcanic activity, capturing the essence of flowing lava. This setting provides a unique backdrop for a coffeehouse that emphasizes connection with the environment while meeting practical needs.

Design Concept

The design centers around the idea of representing flowing magma. This concept is expressed through the building's dynamic form, which includes separate roof plates. These plates are equipped with integrated LED lighting that enhances the visual experience. The sloping roof is designed to manage snow, an important consideration for Iceland's cold climate, while the main entrance faces south to maximize light and views.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the building is divided into three main areas: a volcanic exposition space, a café with a bar and seating, and back rooms for offices and storage. This arrangement encourages social interaction and allows guests to engage with the themes of the café. A spiral staircase and fireplace serve as central features, creating a warm atmosphere within the café.

Materiality

The construction uses materials that reflect both sustainability and the local environment. Prefabricated wooden pieces form the building's shell, allowing for quick assembly. This wooden framework is insulated to improve thermal performance and protect against the weather. The roof is covered with concrete mixed with volcanic ash, giving it a texture similar to dried lava while boosting durability.

Lighting Features

A distinctive element of the interior is the volcanic exposition area, which aims to educate visitors about geological processes. Glass tubes hang from the ceiling and are illuminated to resemble the northern lights. This feature adds an immersive quality to the environment, further connecting guests with the natural phenomena that inspired the MAGMAZZA Coffeehouse.

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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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