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Suspended Café Above a Geological Scar Made with Charred Timber

Authors:
Adrianna Karnaszewska, Jacek Baczkowski, Michał Kasperski
Suspended Café Above a Geological Scar Made with Charred Timber
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Perched above a geological scar, the structure utilizes charred timber to create a café space that provides visitors with panoramic views while immersing them in the unique Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perched above a geological scar, the café provides unique panoramic perspectives of the landscape.
02
The design features a combination of cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood for sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
03
An innovative suspended structure enhances visitor interaction with the natural surroundings.
04
Two distinctive beams of light guide visitors toward the main gathering area.
05
The architecture emphasizes both indoor and outdoor sheltered spaces for diverse visitor experiences.

The design is located in the captivating landscape of Iceland, focusing on the geological scar that separates two tectonic plates. The intent is to connect the Karlagjá and Kvennagjá caves while enhancing the overall visitor experience. Using thoughtful architectural strategies, the design engages with the natural terrain, allowing people to explore and reflect within a unique environment.

Concept and Spatial Arrangement

At the heart of the design is the aim to emphasize the geological features of the area. This is achieved through a layout that creates both broad and intimate experiences for visitors. A central viewing platform provides a sweeping view of the landscape, while various spaces offer the feeling of being suspended above the geological fracture, deepening the connection to the earth below.

Visitor Experience and Interaction

The arrangement includes a variety of sheltered areas that encourage interaction with the environment. By offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, the design invites visitors to fully engage with the geological characteristics of the site. One of the main features is the café, which serves as a gathering spot. It provides a comfortable atmosphere with wide views of the surroundings, facilitating social interaction and relaxation amidst nature.

Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The choice of materials reflects a focus on sustainability and a wish to respect the environment. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and prefabricated timber elements are used to achieve these goals. The exterior is finished with charred timber and glass, presenting a simple aesthetic that blends into the volcanic landscape. This careful selection of materials ensures that the presence of the structure remains functional while being mindful of its natural context.

A defining aspect of the design is the use of two beams of light that direct visitors toward the café area raised above the landscape. These beams not only guide but also enhance the interaction with natural light, enriching the experience of those who explore the space.

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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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