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Geothermal Insights Through Tempered Glass and Concrete Slabs in a Volcanic Coffee Hub

Author:
Héctor Javier Hipólito Molina
Geothermal Insights Through Tempered Glass and Concrete Slabs in a Volcanic Coffee Hub
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Tempered glass facades provide panoramic views of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, while concrete and geotextile materials enhance durability and sustainability in a community-focused coffee shop designed for education and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The coffee shop features a volcano exhibition that educates visitors about Iceland's geology.
02
Tempered glass facades create a seamless visual connection to the volcanic landscape.
03
Durable concrete slabs are designed to withstand the local environmental conditions.
04
The layout prioritizes accessibility, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
05
Incorporates a geotextile drainage system to manage rainwater effectively.

The Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop is designed to fit into the remarkable landscapes of Iceland, where volcanic features dominate the scenery. It serves as a place for both locals and tourists, combining the daily experience of enjoying a coffee with opportunities to learn about the unique geological environment. The design emphasizes easy movement and connection among spaces, making it simple for visitors to interact and engage with each other and the surroundings.

Design and Layout

A total of ten areas form the layout of the coffee shop, including a main entrance, a reception area, a volcano exhibition, two offices, storage, the coffee shop itself, a kitchen, and toilets. Covering 600 square meters, these spaces are carefully arranged to allow for fluid circulation. The central coffee shop serves as a gathering point, encouraging conversations and providing a comfortable space for relaxation amidst the backdrop of Iceland’s nature.

Educational Integration

The volcano exhibition is a key feature that educates visitors about Iceland's volcanic landscape. Located close to the coffee shop, it creates a natural flow between relaxation and learning, making environmental education an integral part of the experience. This design choice invites guests to engage actively with both the coffee shop and the narrations about Iceland’s geology, creating a deeper connection to the environment.

Construction and Materials

Construction details reflect practical choices suited for an area with natural challenges. A layer of site gravel helps with drainage, paired with a drainage board and geotextile filter to manage rainwater. The structure uses steel square tubes for stability, topped with concrete ribbed slabs that allow for open spaces. An exterior of sheet rock provides a clean look, while interior wood ceiling planks and laminate flooring add warmth to the environment, aligning with the overall theme of nature.

Visual Connections

The facade, made of tempered glass, offers views of the striking volcanic landscape outside. This design allows natural light to fill the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The wooden deck along the wall promotes a connection to the geological features of the site, ensuring that the design reflects the natural characteristics of Iceland's environment. The careful integration of these elements enhances the experience of visitors, merging indoor comfort with outdoor beauty.

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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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Competition organisers

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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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