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Basalt and Granite Perspectives over Tectonic Landscapes

Authors:
Oscar Jersch, Laura Offermann
Basalt and Granite Perspectives over Tectonic Landscapes
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Rising from a tectonic crevice, the viewing tower offers expansive perspectives framed by basalt and granite, while the Visitor Center and Landscape Hotel enhance the experience of exploring Iceland's unique geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Viewing tower leans over a tectonic crevice, enhancing geological visibility.
02
Visitor Center facilitates 24-hour access to the tower and local amenities.
03
Composed of basalt, granite, and diorite, integrating local geological materials.
04
Landscape Hotel features an event room for social gatherings in a natural setting.
05
New pathways promote exploration while preserving local flora and ecosystem integrity.

The Iceland Cave Tower is located at the Grjótagjá Cave in Iceland, designed to fit within the rugged landscape. The project aims to enhance the experience for visitors by providing a place to engage with the remarkable geological features of the area. It includes a viewing tower, a Visitor Center, and a Landscape Hotel, all of which work together to create a thoughtful interaction with the surrounding nature.

Viewing Tower

The viewing tower serves as a central feature of the design, leaning over a tectonic crevice that showcases the geological context of the site. It consists of three cubic volumes, with two directing attention towards the crevice and one positioned in the opposite direction. This layout allows for captivating views of the landscape while connecting the structures to the vast Icelandic terrain.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is purposely distinct from the tower, aiming to provide essential services while ensuring uninterrupted access to the site. It includes changing rooms and bicycle rental options, acting as a hub for visitors. Its strategic location, situated between the entrances to the Men’s and Women’s Caves, makes it easy for people to explore the area's geological features and fosters a deeper connection with the environment.

Landscape Hotel

The Landscape Hotel adds another layer to the visitor experience. Accommodating ten guests, the hotel prioritizes privacy within the open landscape. It features communal areas such as a bar and restaurant available to the public, along with an event room suitable for gatherings. These spaces encourage social interaction while maintaining an appropriate balance with the surrounding nature.

Material Usage

The buildings utilize locally sourced materials, including basalt, granite, and diorite. These natural stones emphasize the relationship between the structures and the Icelandic landscape, both in appearance and texture. The incorporation of these materials not only strengthens the designs but also resonates with the geological identity of the region.

Large landscape windows frame stunning vistas, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Iceland’s environment. This design element creates a strong connection between the visitors and the natural world, enhancing the overall experience of being in this unique setting.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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