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Twisted Roof Structure With Timber Surfaces Overlooking Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Lee Emma, Yulia Wu
Twisted Roof Structure With Timber Surfaces Overlooking Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

A twisted roof structure, inspired by volcanic forms and characterized by wooden surfaces, enhances the visitor experience at a coffee shop located at the base of Hverfjall volcano.
5 key facts about this project
01
A twisted roof mimics the form of flowing lava from the volcano.
02
Fissures between structures visually reduce mass and enhance engagement.
03
Wooden surfaces are chosen to align with the natural landscape.
04
The roof serves as a walkable platform for panoramic views.
05
The design includes a dedicated exhibition space for volcanic education.

The Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop is located at the base of Hverfjall volcano in North Iceland. It provides a space for visitors to enjoy local coffee while appreciating the natural beauty surrounding them. The design focuses on creating a connection between the built environment and the landscape, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

Architecture Concept

The coffee shop consists of two main structures: a new building and the original existing structure. These are separated by fissures, which give the design a lighter appearance and help to reduce its visual mass. This separation creates a rhythmic quality that engages visitors, inviting them to explore and discover the relationship between the architecture and the volcanic landscape.

Roof Design

The roof is an important feature of the coffee shop. It has a twisted shape, which serves both an aesthetic and symbolic role. This twisting evokes the imagery of flowing lava, reinforcing the connection to Hverfjall volcano. The roof also features walkable areas, allowing visitors to experience nature up close and offering views of the dramatic landscape.

Interior Layout

Inside, the coffee shop is divided into two areas. One space accommodates the coffee-serving area and a volcano exhibition, while the other functions as a service area, containing a tourist center, storage, and offices. This separation ensures that visitors have both a comfortable place to relax and efficient access to necessary services. The layout promotes an engaging experience by blending leisure with practicality.

Material Consideration

Timber and clean surfaces are used throughout the design to reflect the natural environment and create a warm atmosphere. These choices help establish a connection to the surrounding landscape, promoting a cohesive and inviting design. The materials chosen enhance the sensory experience within the coffee shop, making it an enjoyable place for visitors to gather.

The building's forms and interconnected spaces result in a roof that rises above the horizon, providing a unique perspective of Hverfjall volcano. Visitors are invited to take in the beauty of the landscape as they navigate this thoughtfully designed space.

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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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