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Sunken Café with Zinc Panels Overlooking Hverfjall Volcano

Authors:
Hosung Won, Jinho Hong, Jiwon Min, Sungmin Lee
Sunken Café with Zinc Panels Overlooking Hverfjall Volcano

Project in-detail

A sunken café constructed with zinc panels offers uninterrupted views of Hverfjall volcano, creating a distinctive gathering space that connects visitors with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sunken café design enhances interaction with the landscape.
02
Zinc panel walls provide durability in harsh weather.
03
Visitor center doubles as an exhibition space for local geology.
04
Strategically arranged pathways guide movement and experience.
05
Natural light is maximized through large fixed windows.

The design near Hverfjall volcano in Iceland serves as a coffee shop and visitor center, enhancing connection with the dramatic landscape. The concept centers on building a relationship with nature while providing spaces for visitors to explore and enjoy the environment. By organizing the layout around the hiking trail, the design encourages a respectful interaction with the volcanic surroundings.

Site Layout

The arrangement transforms the hiking trail into a pathway that connects visitors with the landscape. Spaces are planned to align with the path, promoting a natural flow of movement. This layout guides people through a carefully designed sequence, inviting them to engage with the natural features along the way.

Functional Areas

The visitor center serves as an informative hub, housing an office and small exhibition space dedicated to local attractions. This center plays a crucial role in facilitating the visitor experience. Nearby, the exhibition space provides insights about Hverfjall volcano, helping to foster a deeper understanding of the area's geological significance.

Materials and Design

The choice of materials reflects the volcanic environment. Walls are made of zinc composite metal panels, offering durability while complementing the natural scenery. Insulation is integrated for energy efficiency, and concrete is selected for its strength and suitability in this context. Fixed windows allow for plenty of natural light and create views that connect visitors with the outdoor landscape.

Visitor Experience

The café serves as the main public area, employing a sunken design that captures views of Hverfjall. This feature encourages visitors to gather, reflect, and share moments over coffee. Amenities like bathrooms and storage are thoughtfully arranged to support the experience without disrupting the flow of movement.

The combination of these design elements results in a space that effectively meets human needs while remaining attentive to the surrounding nature. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the volcano, enjoying various functions within a thoughtfully crafted setting that respects the landscape.

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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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