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Basalt and Granite Perspectives Over Tectonic Landscapes

Authors:
Oscar Jersch, Laura Offermann
Basalt and Granite Perspectives Over Tectonic Landscapes

Project in-detail

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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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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