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Icosahedron Structure Featuring Vacuum Glazing and Sustainable Materials for Enhanced Visitor Experience

Author:
Takehiro Muramatsu
Icosahedron Structure Featuring Vacuum Glazing and Sustainable Materials for Enhanced Visitor Experience

Project in-detail

Harnessing an icosahedral design with vacuum glazing and natural materials, this coffee shop not only offers panoramic views of Iceland's volcanic landscape but also serves as a warm gathering space for visitors seeking refuge in the wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The coffee shop's icosahedral form enhances energy efficiency by maximizing internal volume with minimal surface area.
02
Vacuum glazing panels provide exceptional thermal performance while allowing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
03
The use of sandwich panels ensures superior insulation, crucial for maintaining warmth in Iceland's cold climate.
04
A spiral staircase serves as a stunning visual focal point and facilitates seamless circulation across three levels.
05
Natural wood finishes create a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the rugged volcanic surroundings.
The Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that serves as a unique gathering space for visitors in the stunning volcanic landscape of Hverfjall, Iceland. This coffee shop is not just a place for refreshments; it represents an integration of function and aesthetics, merging seamlessly with the natural environment while providing a warm refuge from the harsh weather conditions typical of the region.

The architectural design of the coffee shop takes inspiration from the geometry of an icosahedron, which consists of 20 triangular faces. This form is both visually appealing and practical, allowing for maximized internal space while minimizing overall surface area. This approach is significant for achieving energy efficiency, a critical factor in a climate where maintaining warmth is essential. The structure’s geometric design permits ample natural light to filter in, offering patrons breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, enhancing their connection to nature.

Materials play a crucial role in the project's overall functionality and aesthetic. The exterior incorporates vacuum glazing panels, which deliver superior thermal performance while allowing unobstructed vistas. These panels are complemented by sandwich panels which provide essential insulation, ensuring that heat is retained within the building. The use of stainless steel for structural elements contributes to durability and resilience, necessary attributes given the exposure to the elements in this remote location. The warmth of wooden finishes in the interior spaces adds a cozy touch, making the environment inviting and conducive to relaxation.

The coffee shop is designed with multiple levels, each serving distinct purposes that enhance the visitor experience. The ground floor welcomes guests with a spacious area dedicated to the coffee serving counter, surrounded by seating arrangements that encourage social gatherings. Transitioning to the second floor, visitors encounter an exhibition space that showcases local culture and geological phenomena, enriching the educational aspect of their visit. This level's elevated position allows for a panoramic view that deepens the connection between the interior and the remarkable exterior landscape.

The third floor provides additional multipurpose space, adaptable for various community events or supplementary seating. A spiral staircase connects these different levels, acting as both a functional circulatory element and a captivating visual feature within the interior, embodying the project's commitment to innovative design.

What sets the Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop apart is its deep connection to the surrounding environment. The icosahedral form, indicative of resilience and adaptation to natural elements, reflects the landscape's geological characteristics while promoting a sense of harmony between the inhabitable space and its setting. Both the façade's transparent materials and the dynamic interplay of light within the space foster an experiential relationship with the natural surroundings, encouraging patrons to appreciate the stunning Icelandic terrain.

Designed to operate with sustainability in mind, this coffee shop exemplifies modern architectural approaches by utilizing energy-efficient strategies that reduce its ecological footprint while providing a functional communal space. The careful consideration of materials and design concepts not only addresses the needs of its users but also reinforces the relationship between architecture and the environment.

For those interested in exploring this project further, it is highly encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs available. These elements provide insight into the innovative architectural ideas that underpin the Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop, offering a deeper understanding of its unique approach to blending functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.
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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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