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Volcanic Ash Coating and Exposed Concrete Create Community Hub at the Base of HVERFJALL Mountain

Author:
Fitore Bekteshi
Volcanic Ash Coating and Exposed Concrete Create Community Hub at the Base of HVERFJALL Mountain

Project in-detail

An electric fireplace symbolizes the dormant energy of HVERFJALL Mountain within a community hub that combines volcanic ash coating and exposed concrete, offering a space for locals and visitors to gather and learn about the region's geology.
5 key facts about this project
01
An electric fireplace serves as a centerpiece, symbolizing the mountain's dormant energy.
02
Volcanic ash coating is used creatively on the building's exterior, enhancing local ecological identity.
03
The layout includes expansive views of HVERFJALL Mountain, integrating nature into the visitor experience.
04
Community spaces are designed to encourage social interactions and educational activities.
05
Exposed concrete walls provide a durable and minimal maintenance solution suited for the environment.

The HVERFJALL Volcano Coffee Shop and Museum is situated against the backdrop of HVERFJALL Mountain, connecting its design directly to the landscape. The facility serves as both a coffee shop and a museum, highlighting the mountain's inherent qualities of strength and resilience. The design concept focuses on creating harmony between natural elements and built spaces, allowing visitors to appreciate the geological significance of the site while enjoying a communal environment.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout is methodically arranged to provide easy access to various areas. Visitors enter through a welcoming main entrance that leads to a spacious lobby, bar, and electric fireplace, along with essential amenities like restrooms and storage. Each space has been carefully defined to encourage interaction and exploration. The museum area serves educational purposes, offering insights into the mountain's geology and history.

Circulation and Access

Careful attention has been given to circulation pathways for both pedestrians and vehicles. The main entrance is designed to draw people in, while pathways guide guests toward public spaces that feature expansive views of the landscape. This design choice creates a direct connection to the environment, making the outdoor setting an integral part of the visitor experience.

Materials and Aesthetics

Materials used in the construction play an important role in the overall feel of the space. Exposed concrete wall panels, volcanic ash coating, and linoleum tile flooring were selected for their strength and connection to the area's geological identity. These materials not only contribute to the building's durability but also evoke the natural features of the surrounding landscape.

Design Details

A notable aspect of the design is the electric fireplace, which symbolizes the dormant energy of the mountain. This feature embodies the geological processes occurring beneath the surface and serves as a focal point within the space. It enhances the warmth and character of the interior, inviting visitors to engage with the mountain's story while fostering community interactions.

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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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