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Volcanic Concrete Meets Natural Brown in A Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Camila Ureña peña
Volcanic Concrete Meets Natural Brown in A Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Emphasizing volcanic concrete and natural wood finishes, the design seamlessly integrates with its rugged landscape to create an inviting coffee shop that fosters community engagement and a connection to the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Volcanic concrete sourced on-site enhances environmental integration and durability.
02
Curvilinear forms reflect the natural contours of the surrounding landscape.
03
Flexible seating arrangements promote social interaction and adaptability for events.
04
Natural ventilation strategies reduce energy consumption while ensuring comfort.
05
Landscaped courtyards create experiential zones connecting patrons to nature.

The Coffee Shop located at Hverfjall, Iceland, is an architectural design that effectively integrates with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Positioned at the foothills of the Hverfjall volcano, this project serves not just as a coffee shop but as a destination that enhances the visitor experience through its thoughtful design. The architecture reflects an understanding of local geology, climatic conditions, and the need for social interaction in a serene environment.

The primary function of the Coffee Shop is to provide a welcoming space for visitors and locals to enjoy warm beverages while appreciating the natural beauty of the area. The project consists of multiple interconnected structures, each serving a specific purpose. Important areas within the site include an entrance hall, viewing areas for landscape observation, and communal seating spaces. These elements are designed to foster social interaction while promoting a connection to the surrounding environment.

Design Integration with Natural Landscape
The architectural design emphasizes a seamless integration with the environment. Inspired by the contours and forms of the Hverfjall caldera, the building features angular shapes and a rugged aesthetic that mirrors the local topography. The extensive use of tuff concrete, sourced from the surrounding area, minimizes the project's carbon footprint while enhancing its contextual relevance. This choice of material, along with steel for structural components and wood for interior finishes, results in a harmonious palette that underscores the connection between the architecture and the Icelandic landscape. The use of glazing in strategic locations brings natural light indoors and provides unobstructed views of significant geological features, fostering a sense of place and engagement with nature.

Sustainability and User Engagement
The design also prioritizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials and passive climate control strategies. Natural ventilation, thermal mass, and strategic orientation reduce energy needs while allowing for comfortable indoor conditions. The layout promotes a journey through the site, guiding visitors through various outdoor and indoor spaces that enhance their interaction with the landscape. This thoughtful arrangement encourages not only social interactions among patrons but also engagement with the natural surroundings.

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding of this project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insights into the unique elements and ideas behind this Coffee Shop at Hverfjall, Iceland.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
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