In this article, we continue our series on Competitions.archi, presenting a collection of articles on different architectural competitions. Today, we will be featuring the winner of the Iceland Volcano Coffee Shop Competition – an article from Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2023.
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team
We both studied architecture and met at Gdansk University of Technology in Poland. After gaining several years of experience in architecture offices and working on renders and 3D art, we decided it was time to gain our own experience and test our skills in architectural competitions. We saw this as a fantastic opportunity to further develop our skills in a more independent capacity.
choosing a competition
Our mutual fascination with conceptual architecture led us to occasionally challenge our ideas through competitions. Despite our full-time work for different architectural practices, we found competitions to be a means of expanding our horizons, thinking creatively, and combating burnout. Competitions offer a platform to express and showcase our ideas, allowing us to break free from conventional constraints and explore innovative design concepts. Through participating in competitions, we aim to nurture creativity, challenge ourselves, and continually evolve as architects and 3D artists.
site and genius loci
Our initial ideas were drawn from the natural surroundings of the building site, located in the northern part of Iceland. Situated in a volcanic desert landscape, the site’s barren and rugged features might lead one to believe that human presence is an intrusion. The rocky steps, challenging weather conditions, and vast horizon characterize the area around the Hverfjall volcano. This unique environment has been shaped by volcanic activity and natural erosion processes.
Recognizing the need to be mindful of interfering with such a pristine landscape, we believed that our focus should extend beyond the building site. The surrounding area, rich in other volcanoes, caves, and lakes, held tremendous potential. Our response was the proposal of an educational hiking path for hikers, aimed at connecting people with nature and providing historical insights. We strongly believe that researching the surroundings of a building plot can reveal significant potential for additional and distinctive design elements.
heritage
Further research led us to the special qualities of the “genius loci” in our area. Iceland’s traditional architecture, particularly turf houses and the geometrical shapes of runes, left a distinct imprint. Many preserved examples of Icelandic turf houses have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. These houses were ingenious responses to the challenging climate and scarcity of building materials in the harsh habitat. Beyond blending harmoniously with the landscape, they also offered exceptional insulation compared to wood or stone structures.
Icelandic runes, significant symbols of folklore heritage, provided inspiration due to their traditional writing and geometric aspects. This led us to explore the potential of sharp angles and geometric shapes, creating a contrast to the organic nature of Icelandic landscapes. We were also convinced that we wanted to create a green building which would harmoniously play with its neighborhood. Armed with this knowledge, we decided that our design should complement and highlight the Hverfjall volcano, rather than compete with it.
first sketches and initial ideas
Our next step focused on integrating multiple functions into one building: a museum, coffee shop, and additional office spaces. This led to the idea of a building seamlessly integrated into the rocky steps of the horizon, capable of withstanding the challenging weather conditions. We also explored the unique proportions and streamlined shape of the Hverfjall volcano itself.
Knowing that, we made the first sketches of the volcano-shaped building. We envisioned The Underhill building as a natural shelter for tourists, designed to evoke the feeling of being part of the landscape. By referencing the original underground refuge in our design, we aimed to evoke primal human instincts and foster a deeper connection with the surroundings.
sculpting the building’s shape
As illustrated in the sketch, the next designing phase centered on creating expansive vistas. We recognized the importance of establishing a strong connection between our building and the imposing Hverfjall volcano. This presented a unique opportunity not only for enjoying coffee or exploring a natural history museum but also for immersing visitors within the surrounding landscape. With this in mind, we opted to split our structure into two smaller volumes. This strategic approach forms the main viewing axis, guiding individuals to the volcano’s summit via an existing trekking path.
In light of the challenging atmospheric conditions, we realized the inconvenience visitors might face moving between distinct volumes. To address this, we conceived a solution that links the ground level via an underground passage. This concept not only aligns the building more organically with the natural terrain but also enables a reverse circulation path. As a result, it offers a distinctive atmospheric encounter, allowing visitors to embark on their journey seamlessly, whether beginning with museum exploration or a refreshing cup of coffee.
A subsequent step involved shaping the building’s form to create external corners that double as natural shelters. Moreover, we aimed to orient the facade in directions that capture the most captivating scenic views.
ecological considerations
As previously highlighted, Iceland’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions greatly influences modern architecture. Regrettably, our construction site lacks access to a geothermal energy source. Nevertheless, in light of shifting climate patterns, we conceived a groundbreaking notion: a fully embedded building. The existing terrain serves as a natural shield against prevailing winds, safeguarding the architectural volume. Adding to this, we envisioned a green roof adorned with local vegetation, fostering harmonious integration with the landscape. Beyond aesthetics, this design encourages natural air circulation and bolsters insulation across the roofing structure, potentially leading to significant heating savings in the building’s lifecycle.
Additionally, our design incorporates water retention strategies. Through the roof’s natural slope and a linear drainage system, we developed a means of collecting and storing water in subterranean tanks. This stored water could be thoughtfully repurposed to flush toilets or nourish the roof’s vegetation during dry spells.
interior design
In our view, interior design should seamlessly merge with the exterior of the building. In pursuit of this, we sought innovative ways to craft a distinctive narrative for future visitors. Recognizing that light and perspectives play pivotal roles in storytelling, we integrated these elements throughout the design. Key to this approach was strategically placing floor openings adjacent to glazed facades. This technique not only infuses the underground level with natural daylight but also evokes the sensation of being within a volcano.
Furthermore, our interior design strategy pivoted on selecting spatial dominants. Within the museum section, a central focus materialized in the form of a Viking boat, encircled by a series of ramps. This setup aims to evoke escalating tension and excitement as visitors journey through exhibits, culminating in the subterranean level. In the coffee shop realm, a standout element emerged in the centrally placed bar island, which serves both functional and visual purposes, helping visitors discern the building’s multifaceted nature from both inside and outside.
A key source of inspiration for our interior design sprang from Icelandic runes. Building upon the geometric shapes and sharp angles of these runes, we combined them with the undulating patterns of Icelandic steps and the reflective surface of Myvatn Lake. This creative fusion culminated in a suspended wooden ceiling structure, visible from outside and resembling the roots of roof vegetation.
building details
The final phase involved meticulous consideration of architectural details and construction methods. In response to demanding climatic conditions, we arrived at the decision to employ multi-chamber glass facades to effectively counteract heat loss. Notably, reinforced concrete emerged as the preferred structural material due to the building’s subterranean nature. This choice underscores the necessity of robust waterproof solutions to ensure structural integrity.
reflections
To us, architecture represents a form of expression, a fusion of art and technology that profoundly impacts society and the environment. Given its significance, we approach architecture with the utmost respect, carefully evaluating design choices to ensure their fulfillment. Central to our approach is the understanding that even the most exceptional ideas require clear and captivating presentations for both jurors and clients. Consequently, considerations of perspectives, materials, and graphic presentations were woven into our approach from the project’s inception.
Engaging in architecture competitions, even when prospects of winning seem uncertain, consistently enriches our portfolio. By critically analyzing the work of fellow participants, we can challenge and refine our designs, gaining priceless insights into the project’s context. Competitions also serve as a valuable platform for young architects to enhance their workflow and explore novel design avenues. Engaging in these contests encourages experimentation, boundary-pushing, and the nurturing of growth and innovation in the field.
Summary
One of the most important steps in our design process was conducting research on the region, its heritage, climate, natural resources, and landscape. This research can be very helpful in guiding our future work, especially when seeking project solutions. Furthermore, having knowledge of construction sites can lead to unique, more sensible, and conscious design ideas.
In our opinion, every design process should take into account how building construction will influence the surrounding landscape and shape the neighborhood. We should remember that we are currently facing ecological and climate crises. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of how our design will affect nature and future users. Our focus was on seeking natural, ecological solutions, which ultimately shaped our building and defined our design principles.
Another important design aspect is to consider the needs of our future customers. As architects, we should think from the beginning about the kind of atmosphere and mood we want to create both around our building and inside it. It is inevitable that if we separate interior design from the building envelope and surroundings, we will not be able to maintain a cohesive narrative. We considered scenic views, spatial composition, and appropriate material selection right from the start.
We believe in a holistic approach to architecture. In our opinion, considering building details alongside the landscape can lead you to a great adventure in exploring design ideas that create a conducive space for personal development.
Authors: Weronika Plata, Wiktor Stankiewicz from Poland
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If you would like to ready more case studies like the one above please check our annual publication
Architecture Competitions Yearbook
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