With a polished metal facade that mirrors the surrounding landscape and a rooftop terrace designed for optimal views of nearby glaciers and volcanoes, the café serves as a functional space for visitors to engage with Iceland's unique geological environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The polished metal facade employs reflective properties to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
02
A rooftop terrace provides unobstructed views of nearby glaciers and volcanic formations.
03
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances sustainability and structural performance.
04
Charred wooden shingles create a durable exterior that protects against harsh weather conditions.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while offering a distinctive architectural silhouette.
General keywords
The project titled "The Mirror of Glacier and Flame" is an architectural coffee shop located in Iceland, designed to harmonize with the country’s distinctive landscape that features both glaciers and volcanoes. This structure aims to enhance visitor experiences while showcasing the natural beauty of its surroundings. The design not only offers functionality as a service space but also serves an educational purpose, allowing patrons to appreciate Iceland’s unique geological characteristics.
The architectural form of the building is influenced by the shapes and textures of its environment. Its circular cone structure emulates the profile of a volcano, while angular elements reflect the harsh lines of glacial formations. This interplay between organic and geometric forms invites a conversation with the surrounding landscape. The coffee shop features multiple levels that cater to different visitor needs, including an underground gift shop, a primary café space on the ground level, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
Innovative Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a range of materials that enhance its aesthetic and functional characteristics. Notably, polished metal cladding is employed on the exterior, designed to reflect the environment and visually dissolve the structure into its surroundings. Extensive glass curtain walls maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the landscape, blurring the lines between inside and outside. Concrete is used for structural elements, offering durability and stability, while wood is integrated within the interior to create warmth and a connection to natural materials.
The design incorporates sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact. For instance, the building’s orientation allows for passive solar heating, reducing the need for artificial climate control. The use of locally sourced materials further reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
Spatial Organization and Functionality
The interior layout of "The Mirror of Glacier and Flame" prioritizes visitor movement and experience. The underground level serves as the entry point, providing access to a gift shop and exhibition area that introduces the geological themes of the region. The ground floor houses the main café, which is designed for social interaction and offers a direct connection to outdoor seating areas.
The rooftop terrace is a distinctive feature that allows patrons to engage with the natural landscape actively. This space is not merely recreational; it serves as an observational point for key geological formations, enhancing educational opportunities. Overall, the arrangement of spaces within the structure promotes accessibility and encourages exploration, ensuring that the visitor experience is immersive and dynamic.
The architectural design of "The Mirror of Glacier and Flame" encapsulates the essence of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes through thoughtful use of materials, innovative spatial organization, and sustainable practices. For a deeper understanding of this project, including insights into architectural plans, sections, and designs, it is recommended to explore the full project presentation.
The architectural form of the building is influenced by the shapes and textures of its environment. Its circular cone structure emulates the profile of a volcano, while angular elements reflect the harsh lines of glacial formations. This interplay between organic and geometric forms invites a conversation with the surrounding landscape. The coffee shop features multiple levels that cater to different visitor needs, including an underground gift shop, a primary café space on the ground level, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
Innovative Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a range of materials that enhance its aesthetic and functional characteristics. Notably, polished metal cladding is employed on the exterior, designed to reflect the environment and visually dissolve the structure into its surroundings. Extensive glass curtain walls maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the landscape, blurring the lines between inside and outside. Concrete is used for structural elements, offering durability and stability, while wood is integrated within the interior to create warmth and a connection to natural materials.
The design incorporates sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact. For instance, the building’s orientation allows for passive solar heating, reducing the need for artificial climate control. The use of locally sourced materials further reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
Spatial Organization and Functionality
The interior layout of "The Mirror of Glacier and Flame" prioritizes visitor movement and experience. The underground level serves as the entry point, providing access to a gift shop and exhibition area that introduces the geological themes of the region. The ground floor houses the main café, which is designed for social interaction and offers a direct connection to outdoor seating areas.
The rooftop terrace is a distinctive feature that allows patrons to engage with the natural landscape actively. This space is not merely recreational; it serves as an observational point for key geological formations, enhancing educational opportunities. Overall, the arrangement of spaces within the structure promotes accessibility and encourages exploration, ensuring that the visitor experience is immersive and dynamic.
The architectural design of "The Mirror of Glacier and Flame" encapsulates the essence of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes through thoughtful use of materials, innovative spatial organization, and sustainable practices. For a deeper understanding of this project, including insights into architectural plans, sections, and designs, it is recommended to explore the full project presentation.
