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Elevated Roof Apexes Framing Volcanic Views in Timber and Slate Retreat

Authors:
Michael Forward, Iago Ferreira Souza
Elevated Roof Apexes Framing Volcanic Views in Timber and Slate Retreat
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Three elevated roof apexes capture views of the surrounding volcanic landscape while a central courtyard fosters social interaction, creating a comfortable retreat for visitors in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three distinct roof apexes enhance orientation and frame significant views of the surrounding landscape.
02
The central courtyard serves as a sheltered gathering space, promoting social interaction among visitors.
03
Materials selected include slate and timber, resonating with the local volcanic environment.
04
The building's layout aligns with crucial viewpoints of Hverfjall Volcano and nearby landmarks.
05
Glulam construction provides structural integrity while fostering a warm interior atmosphere.

The Hverfjall Coffee Retreat is located near Hverfjall Volcano in Iceland, providing a welcoming space for visitors seeking rest and comfort. It is designed to create a connection between the building and the volcanic landscape that surrounds it. The main idea is to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the experience of nature for everyone who enters.

Architectural Form
The shape of the building is inspired by the local landscape's rise and fall, reflecting the natural contours of volcanic terrain. This is shown through three prominent roof peaks that mark the entrances and highlight important views. The flowing lines of the roof not only add character to the structure but also allow sunlight and fresh air to enter the spaces inside.

Central Courtyard
A central courtyard is central to the design, offering a place for visitors to move around and engage with one another. This area aids in navigating the building, connecting different parts while providing shelter from Iceland’s sometimes harsh weather. The courtyard acts as a communal space, enhancing the social aspect of the coffee retreat experience.

Material Considerations
Materials were chosen to resonate with the surrounding environment and support sustainability. The use of slate aligns with the rugged geological features nearby, while timber forms the glue-laminated structure that creates a warm feeling inside. These choices not only connect the building to its location but also provide a comfortable atmosphere for visitors.

Spatial Orientation
The layout of the retreat includes important viewpoints, directing attention to key landmarks such as Hverfjall Volcano, Vindbelgjarfjall, and Krafla. These alignments create a strong connection between the building and its natural surroundings, allowing visitors to enjoy carefully framed views. Each design feature plays a role in a cohesive narrative rooted in the site's cultural and geographical significance.

The combination of the roof's elevation and the surrounding landscape fosters a unique relationship between the retreat and the natural world. This design invites visitors to engage with their environment while enjoying the comforts of the space.

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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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