Architecture project // Bush-Hammered Concrete Elevating Views in Iceland's Landscape

Bush-Hammered Concrete Elevating Views in Iceland's Landscape

Authors:

Sahand Cory, Luis Koeferler

Stacked modules of bush-hammered concrete provide an elevated lookout that connects visitors to Iceland's dramatic landscape and its rich folklore.

5 key facts about this project

Stacked design enhances height and perspective while integrating with the volcanic landscape.

Bush-hammered concrete columns provide tactile connections to the site’s geology.

The lookout point emphasizes flexibility, allowing diverse uses of the interior space.

Glass facades maximize views and natural light, creating a seamless outdoor connection.

The project draws inspiration from Icelandic mythology, linking architecture to cultural narratives.

General keywords

iceland lookout geothermal concrete minimalism folklore flexibility landscape viewpoint mythology

Project specific keywords

bush-hammered prefabrication stacking expansive views cultural narrative

The Volcanic Look Out Point is located in the rugged landscape of Iceland, known for its geothermal features and rich folklore. It serves as a lookout, enabling visitors to connect with the striking beauty of the area. The design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, focusing on how the structure interacts with its surroundings and the stories embedded in the landscape.

Design Concept
The vision for the lookout point prioritizes simplicity in form. The structure is created to be flexible, allowing for various uses of its interior space. This intentional separation from specific functions creates possibilities for visitors. The arrangement of two different modules stacked in an alternating pattern encourages visual variety and provides an engaging spatial experience.

Structural Composition
The design features a structural shell that supports only ceilings and stairs, utilizing a system of standard elements. This method simplifies the construction process, making the structure adaptable while maintaining a consistent appearance. The layering of the modules adds height and depth, creating a sense of exploration as visitors navigate the space and its relationship to the landscape.

Materiality
Prefabricated concrete components play a key role in the construction, allowing for quick assembly on-site. The columns are designed with a bush-hammered surface, which connects the structure to the rugged volcanic environment. This textural detail distinguishes the columns from other elements. Additionally, glass facades provide an open view, inviting natural light and connecting the interior to the external landscape.

Design Detailing
The combination of solid and transparent materials influences how visitors experience the lookout point. Natural light fills the space, and the design fosters unobstructed views of the surrounding beauty. Designed around the story of Gerda and Gymir, the lookout point offers a grounded response to the Icelandic environment, inviting reflection on both nature and the narratives that shape it.