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Floating Roof That Embraces Volcanic Terrain for Community Retreat

Author:
Theethaj Pholampaisathit
Floating Roof That Embraces Volcanic Terrain for Community Retreat

Project in-detail

The floating roof of the community retreat blends seamlessly with the volcanic terrain, creating a space where natural light enhances the experience of visitors seeking refreshment and rest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating roof design enhances natural light and views.
02
Integration with the volcanic terrain highlights local geology.
03
Community-oriented layout promotes interaction among visitors.
04
Large windows frame the surrounding landscape beautifully.
05
Interior offerings include a bakery and homebrew coffee station.

At the base of Hverfjall, Brew is designed as a welcoming retreat for travelers. Functioning as a multifunctional space, it provides essential services such as food and rest. The design concept seeks to connect visitors with the dramatic landscape, allowing them to enjoy the unique characteristics of their surroundings while finding comfort.

Conceptual Framework

Brew features a roof that appears to float above the volcanic ground. This design choice creates a sense of lightness and invites natural light into the building. The roof elevates the structure, enhancing the views and bringing the beauty of the landscape indoors. This connection to nature is a central theme in the design.

Spatial Organization

Inside Brew, various areas serve different purposes. There is an information center, a workstation, storage space, a temporary exhibition area, a café bar, coffee shop seating, and a service zone. Each section is purposefully arranged to foster interaction among visitors while ensuring smooth movement throughout the space. With offerings like a bakery and homebrew coffee station, the interior promotes a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Material Expression

The presentation does not specify materials, but it suggests that they will reflect the natural landscape. The design likely incorporates elements that echo the volcanic features nearby. This approach helps the building blend with its surroundings and creates a visual harmony that speaks to the place itself.

Design Detail

A key element of Brew is the use of large windows that frame views of Hverfjall. These openings bring the outside landscape into the experience of the interior. This connection between the building and nature enhances the overall design, making it a thoughtful addition to the area. The result is a space that not only meets practical needs but also encourages appreciation for the beauty of the environment.

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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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competition now

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