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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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