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Geometric Larch Cladding Embraces Volcanic Views in Sustainable Community Café

Author:
Emily Marín
Geometric Larch Cladding Embraces Volcanic Views in Sustainable Community Café

Project in-detail

Cloaked in angular larch cladding that echoes the surrounding volcanic landscape, this community café invites visitors to savor local flavors while immersed in breathtaking views of Lake Mývatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates larch wood cladding that naturally ages and blends with the volcanic landscape over time.
02
A bent A-frame structure maximizes natural light and enhances views of Lake Mývatn from multiple angles.
03
The café includes multi-purpose spaces that can host community events and local art exhibitions.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while ensuring a sustainable building approach.
05
Clear glass elements create seamless connections between interior spaces and the surrounding environment, highlighting the dramatic terrain.
Eldís Coffee Shop is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, designed to create a welcoming space that integrates seamlessly with its stunning natural surroundings. This coffee shop is more than just a place for visitors to enjoy a beverage; it represents a cultural and social hub where locals and tourists can gather, reflect, and connect with the unique beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

The design of Eldís Coffee Shop is grounded in the philosophy of creating a space that harmonizes with the volcanic terrain and tranquil waters that characterize the region. The building’s form is a response to its environment, deliberately crafted to complement the rugged yet picturesque scenery. By utilizing geometric shapes that echo elements of the landscape, the architecture reinforces the idea of coexistence between man-made structures and nature.

Functionally, Eldís Coffee Shop serves several purposes. It provides a welcoming environment for coffee lovers, offers a flexible space for community events, and acts as an informational point for exploring the surrounding area. The building’s layout is designed to facilitate a fluid movement through various spaces, including a main coffee house area, multi-purpose rooms for exhibitions, and outdoor seating that invites patrons to enjoy Iceland’s fresh air and natural views. This careful spatial arrangement not only promotes social interaction but also cultivates an appreciation for the surrounding environment by maximizing opportunities for views and sunlight.

The materials chosen for construction are integral to the project's identity. Larch wood panels cladding the exterior contribute to the building's warm aesthetic while providing necessary thermal insulation. Polished concrete floors enhance the durability of the interior spaces, ensuring practicality without compromising on elegance. Clear glass elements are employed throughout to foster an open connection with the outside, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and offering uninterrupted vistas of the volcanic landscape. This selective use of materials demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental sensitivity, as they are sourced to reduce the building's carbon footprint.

Unique design approaches within Eldís Coffee Shop further accentuate its relationship with the landscape and the local community. The architectural design cleverly aligns with significant geographical and astronomical features, ensuring that natural light is maximized during key times of the year. This thoughtful orientation enriches the visitor experience, subtly guiding the relationship between the interior and exterior environments. The attention to detail in the design includes not only aesthetic considerations but also practical aspects, such as accessibility and versatility for a diverse range of functions.

Visitors to Eldís Coffee Shop experience more than mere refreshment; they engage with a space that invites contemplation, gathering, and exploration. The project represents an architectural idea that transcends conventional coffee shops, aiming instead to create a lasting connection between its occupants and the remarkable landscape of Iceland.

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding of the project's intricacies, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, a thorough exploration of the presentation will provide valuable insights into the architectural concepts that have shaped Eldís Coffee Shop. This project exemplifies how architecture can thoughtfully reflect and respect its environment while serving a functional purpose that enhances community interaction.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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