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Textured Facade of Fiberglass and Concrete Integrates Café and Exhibition Space into Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Jun-hyeon Park
Textured Facade of Fiberglass and Concrete Integrates Café and Exhibition Space into Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Integrating a textured fiberglass façade with concrete elements, the facility harmoniously reflects the volcanic landscape of Hverfjall while offering a multifunctional café and exhibition space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's façade utilizes a textured fiberglass material to mimic volcanic rock formations.
02
A significant portion of the facility features large glass panels to enhance natural light while connecting the interior with the landscape.
03
The layout promotes community interaction through designated spaces for exhibitions and a photo zone.
04
Sustainable materials such as concrete provide structural resilience against Iceland’s harsh climate.
05
Geometric shapes in the design reflect the surrounding topography, creating a harmonious visual dialogue with Hverfjall.

The architectural design project "Coincidental Reminiscence," located at Hverfjall, Iceland, serves as a multifunctional facility including a café, exhibition space, and information center. The project spans an area of 553 square meters and aims to integrate with, and enhance, the surrounding volcanic landscape. The design draws inspiration from the unique geological features characteristic of the region, creating a structure that reflects the natural environment while serving practical functions for visitors.

The facility's main aim is to provide an engaging experience for both locals and tourists. It accommodates 95 indoor seats and an additional 40 outdoor seats, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshments while appreciating the views of Hverfjall. The exhibition space is curated to showcase aspects of Icelandic culture, particularly elements related to the nearby volcano, thus fostering a sense of place and community connection.

Design Concepts and Materiality One distinguishing feature of the "Coincidental Reminiscence" project is its architectural approach to façade treatment. The design concept involves distilling the essence of volcanic rock formations into the building's surface. The process begins with selecting visually appealing surfaces inspired by nature, rearranging them into a cohesive form, and ultimately forming a unique façade that resonates with the surroundings.

The materials selected for the project include fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), concrete blocks, and large glass panels. These choices reflect both functional requirements and an aesthetic that harmonizes with Iceland's rugged geology. The use of FRP allows for the curvature and complexity of forms that mimic volcanic elements, while concrete blocks provide structural integrity and resilience in a challenging climate. Glass is used extensively to maximize natural light within the building and create a visual connection to the external environment.

Spatial Arrangement and Community Engagement The spatial organization is intentionally designed to facilitate flow and interaction within the building. Visitors enter through a clearly defined access point, which opens up to various key areas: the café, exhibition space, and an informational desk. The layout encourages exploration, promoting a user-friendly experience.

A dedicated photo zone amplifies the project's focus on reminiscence, allowing visitors to capture significant moments amid the stunning backdrop of Hverfjall. This feature aligns with the project's overarching theme and distinguishes it from other similar facilities.

In summary, "Coincidental Reminiscence" exemplifies an integrated architectural design that focuses on contextual relationships, material selection, and community relevance. For a more profound understanding of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design insights, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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