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Twisted Roof Form Enhanced by Volcanic Rock and Glass in a Community Coffee Shop

Author:
Filip Eugen Lelas
Twisted Roof Form Enhanced by Volcanic Rock and Glass in a Community Coffee Shop
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With a twisted roof form that enhances wind resistance and integrates volcanic rock elements, the design creates a unique communal space for coffee enjoyment within Iceland's rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisted roof design improves wind resistance and snow management.
02
Integrates volcanic rock elements to connect with the surrounding landscape.
03
Large glass facades maximize natural light and landscape views.
04
Communal nooks provide intimate spaces within the open layout.
05
Constructed with sustainable materials that enhance thermal efficiency.

The Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop represents a synthesis of architectural design and environmental responsiveness. Located in the rugged landscape of Iceland, the project serves as a coffee shop and cultural hub, providing a retreat for visitors amid the harsh natural environment. The structure employs a thoughtful approach to space and materiality, creating an inviting atmosphere while also addressing the climatic conditions typical of the region.

The primary function of the coffee shop is to offer a welcoming space for patrons to gather, relax, and experience the surrounding landscape. The design features an open area for communal seating, smaller nooks for privacy, and an exhibition room that allows for natural light to engage with artwork and displays. The building's configuration encourages social interaction while maintaining individual spaces that mirror natural shelters, embodying the concept of a nest.

The use of materials is a defining aspect of the architectural approach. Steel forms the structural framework, providing durability. Concrete walls contribute to thermal mass, essential for energy efficiency in a cold climate. Expansive glass surfaces create a seamless connection between the interior and the Icelandic landscape, enhancing the user experience while optimizing natural light. Wood is incorporated into the interior finishes, adding warmth to the design.

The design utilizes unique approaches to address both aesthetic and functional requirements of the site. The twisted roof design not only adds to the dynamic visual profile but also enhances the building's performance in withstanding wind and snow. The architectural layout promotes fluid movement between different areas, echoing the organic flow of the natural landscape. This interaction between built and natural environments is crucial in ensuring a balanced user experience.

Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the project. The selection of materials and the design of the building collectively reduce energy consumption through passive heating and cooling strategies. This ecological consideration solidifies the architecture’s identity as a project that is not only a shelter but also a participant in its environmental context.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design visuals are available for review. Exploring these elements further will provide deeper insights into the design concepts and structural innovations implemented within the Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop.

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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.

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