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Volcanic Rock and Concrete Structure Enhances Visitor Experience in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Henry Jim, Calvin Chan
Volcanic Rock and Concrete Structure Enhances Visitor Experience in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic rock and concrete, the visitor center offers an immersive educational experience about Hverfjall’s geological history while complementing the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with local volcanic rock, the building visually connects to its geological context.
02
The semi-underground design enhances energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in harsh weather.
03
Windows are strategically placed to frame specific views of Hverfjall, enriching the visitor experience.
04
An exhibition area showcases interactive displays on the region’s volcanic history, promoting education.
05
The layout allows for easy navigation between the information counter, coffee shop, and exhibition zone.

The Hverfjall coffee shop and visitor center is a well-thought-out structure located in Iceland’s scenic volcanic landscape. Built to cater to the needs of hikers and tourists, the building integrates with its surroundings while providing necessary services and information about the area's geology. The design concept focuses on blending the architecture with the natural environment and maintaining a low profile amid the striking terrain.

Architectural Response

The design emphasizes a strong connection with the surrounding environment. The building's form is created to be nearly invisible from the approach roads, ensuring it blends into the volcanic landscape. This thoughtful approach respects the natural beauty of the area and enhances the experience for visitors, allowing them to enjoy the unique characteristics of Hverfjall.

Functional Layout

The building is organized into specific functional areas, including the entrance, visitor center, back office, storage, exhibition zone, coffee shop seating area, washrooms, and an order/pick-up space. This arrangement helps visitors navigate easily from the information counter to the exhibition area, which presents the geological history of Hverfjall. Each section is designed to support an efficient visitor experience, making amenities and information readily accessible.

Material Considerations

Materials used in the construction include concrete for structural elements, complemented by volcanic sands and rocks sourced from the local environment. These choices provide durability while connecting the building visually to its geological surroundings. By using local materials, the design reduces transportation impacts and reinforces a sense of place within the volcanic landscape.

Energy Efficiency

The semi-underground layout of the building minimizes heat loss, contributing to energy efficiency in an area known for its variable weather conditions. This design approach ties into the principles of sustainable building, ensuring that the center remains comfortable and functional throughout different seasons. Such considerations illustrate a responsible approach to development in environmentally sensitive regions.

Visitors in the coffee shop can appreciate expansive views of the Hverfjall crater through carefully positioned windows, creating a peaceful setting that highlights the surrounding landscape.

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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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