01 BEACON OF HVERFJALL

COMPETITON: Visitor Center + Coffee Shop

BRONZE - IDA 2022

DATE: Spring 2022

SITE SELECTED: Hverfjall, Iceland

BUILD-UP AREA: 448 SQM

Emerging from the dark horizon of the Mytvatn region of Iceland, the Beacon of Hverfjall, seeks to combine the traditional Icelandic landscape with local materiality. Addressing the client’s request to transform the visitor center into a place to rest, the design allows visitors to recharge and take in the view while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. The design creates a structure that captures the attention of hikers coming to and from the volcano. Interior and exterior circulation parallel with the building emerging from the site establishes a unique traversal experience. Filtered light creates an illusion of the structure surfacing like a beacon from the ashen ground. Visitors move from the moody lower lounge to the bright, open upper level café as a reflection of hiking up Hverfjall volcano itself.

In collaberation with Hazen Soucy, Allyson Moncada and Anline Milito

HVERFJALL CRATER 2

BEACON OF HVERFJALL 3

A

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 A

FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR

LOBBY 30sqm

LOUNGE 30sqm

LOCKERS 30sqm

OFFICE 30sqm STORAGE 30sqm CAFE 30sqm EXHIBIT 30sqm 5 6 7 8

Original Form

Begin with a simple rectilinear form to allow for optimum subtractive properties

Push

Push vertical planes apart from the boundary to allow to for balance in creating merging form.

Push

Push horizontal planes apart from the boundary to allow to for balance in creating seperate floors.

Openings & Planes

Providing a merging effect by cutting openings on the facades of the form.

SECTION AA

EXTERIOR INTERIOR BEAM STRUCTURE CLERESTORY VOLCANIC ROCK JAMMING FOUNDATION

WOOD LOUVERS

GLAZING

VOLCANIC ROCK JAMMING

Experiential Narrative

I am surrounded by icy fields of gray rocks. The air is cold and windy as dark clouds gather above the horizon. The climb is steady towards the entry of the building, where the glow of light from within guides me inside. The Visitor Center is a Beacon, cutting through the fog. The smell of coffee engulfs me as I enter the building and I am greeted by a lounge with a fire place. I move forward, releasing my rucksack from my shoulders and place it down. There is a storage room where I stow away my belongings, before I make my way upstairs. I emerge from the earthy lower lounge to the open second floor. Once upstairs, I am welcomed to a steaming cup of coffee from the bar. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and my gaze follows the topographic wood panels on the ceiling references the terrain of the volcano. I walk towards the large window, staring out at the Hverfjall crater as snow begins to fall outside.