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Cabled Viewing Tower Crafted from Regional Steel and Transparent Glass in Iceland's Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Alexandra Georgescu, Tomas Kozelsky, Viktor Odstrčilík
Cabled Viewing Tower Crafted from Regional Steel and Transparent Glass in Iceland's Volcanic Landscape
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Rising above the rugged Icelandic terrain, a slender viewing tower constructed from regional steel and transparent glass provides visitors with panoramic perspectives while merging seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The viewing tower employs a unique cable support system that enhances stability in high winds.
02
Extensive use of transparent glass reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a visual synergy with nature.
03
Visitors can access multiple open platforms at various heights to capture different perspectives of the terrain.
04
Sustainable energy solutions are integrated into the visitor center, minimizing ecological impact.
05
The design incorporates locally sourced materials to align with environmental and cultural context.

The Yfir Landturn project is an architectural intervention located in Iceland, designed to serve as both a viewing tower and a visitor center. The project provides visitors with a space to appreciate the unique geological features of the surrounding landscape. Its core function revolves around enhancing the user experience through strategic viewpoints while accommodating educational facilities related to the area's natural and cultural heritage.

The Yfir Landturn structure consists of a slender viewing tower that rises above the terrain, offering expansive sightlines over the rugged Icelandic landscape. The design incorporates pathways that guide visitors through the site, connecting the viewing tower with the visitor center and parking areas. This deliberate layout underscores the duality of engaging with nature and facilitating visitor interaction with the architecture.

Innovative Structural Solutions and Materiality

The project's structural integrity is achieved through a system of exposed steel framing, which not only provides stability but also creates a visual contrast against the natural environment. The use of glass for the tower’s façades allows for maximum transparency, providing unobstructed views while allowing the structure to reflect its surroundings. Elevating the visitor experience further, the open-air staircases spiral around the tower, offering opportunities for rest and reflection at various heights.

Consideration for sustainability is evident in the choice of materials, including locally sourced concrete and metal mesh. The latter serves aesthetic purposes while ensuring safety and wind resistance. Additionally, the visitor center incorporates renewable energy solutions, enhancing the project's environmental performance.

Architectural Integration with the Landscape

A significant aspect that sets this project apart from conventional viewing platforms is its seamless integration with the rugged Icelandic terrain. The design replicates the natural topography through its pathways, which mimic the layout of the land and promote a sense of exploration. Visitors are led not only to appreciate the structure but also to connect with the landscape itself.

Incorporating space for educational elements, such as informational displays and a café, the visitor center caters to both leisure and learning. The dual approach of providing functional spaces while ensuring architectural coherence with the environment distinguishes Yfir Landturn from similar projects.

For more detailed exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs, viewers are encouraged to examine the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative ideas and features.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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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