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Floating Roof of Stainless Steel Framed by Dark Wood in a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Kai Huang, Bo Cai, Jiawen Chen
Floating Roof of Stainless Steel Framed by Dark Wood in a Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

An undulating stainless steel roof reflects the surrounding volcanic landscape, while dark wood panels add warmth, creating a café that invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Undulating roof structure creates dynamic reflections of the surrounding volcano.
02
Dark wood panels contrast with the smoothness of stainless steel.
03
Organic-shaped windows frame scenic views, enhancing the natural connection.
04
Integration of a ramp provides full accessibility for all visitors.
05
Design employs a plinth to facilitate a smooth transition from exterior to interior.

Morpheus is located in Iceland and functions as a café that connects with its volcanic landscape. The design draws from traditional house styles in the region, featuring a pitched roof and a plinth. This combination creates a welcoming space for visitors, allowing them to move easily from the natural surroundings into a cozy interior.

Visual Composition

A notable feature of the café is the south-facing roof, which has an undulating surface made of stainless steel panels attached to a steel frame. This design offers a unique reflection of the environment around it. As people approach the café, they see distorted images of the nearby volcano in the curved edges of the roof. This effect helps blend the building with its striking background.

Spatial Organization

The entrance includes a ramp, making the café accessible to all visitors. Inside, the layout supports various functions such as outdoor seating, exhibition spaces, and office areas. This arrangement allows for a natural flow, encouraging guests to explore different parts of the café.

Material Contrast

On the opposite side, the roof features a slanted plane made from dark wood panels. This contrast in materials emphasizes the relationship between the architecture and the land. The use of different textures and colors adds interest to the design and enhances its connection to the area.

The design incorporates organic-shaped windows that frame scenic views of the volcanic landscape. This integration of nature into the café creates a strong link between the interior space and its surroundings. The experience is enriching, inviting patrons to appreciate both the setting and the building itself.

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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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