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Cantilevered Steel Decks Over Volcanic Crater With Durable Concrete Elements

Author:
Jim Riley
Cantilevered Steel Decks Over Volcanic Crater With Durable Concrete Elements

Project in-detail

Cantilevered steel decks extend over Hverfjall Crater, offering visitors unique vantage points that engage with the volcanic landscape while utilizing durable precast concrete construction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered decks extend over the crater, enhancing visitor immersion.
02
Precast concrete blocks are designed to mimic local volcanic stone.
03
Blackened steel elements blend with the rugged landscape.
04
Two distinct viewpoints offer varied perspectives of the surroundings.
05
Construction methods minimize environmental impact through prefabrication.

Apex at Hverfjall Crater, located near Lake Myvatn, offers visitors a chance to engage with a striking landscape. Designed to enhance the experience of observing the area, the structure features elevated viewpoints that invite exploration. Its overall concept is rooted in the natural human desire to climb and see, allowing people to connect more deeply with the surrounding terrain.

Design Concept

The project features two distinct viewpoints situated to the northeast and southwest. This thoughtful orientation allows for a variety of perspectives on Hverfjall Crater as hikers move along the rim. The design emphasizes the importance of interaction with the landscape. Visitors can enjoy the different views, making their journey around the site more enriching.

Cantilevered Elements

Two cantilevered decks project out over the edge of the crater. These features deepen the connection between individuals and the vast landscape below. The decks serve practical purposes, offering places to rest and reflect. Visitors can truly immerse themselves in the beauty surrounding them.

Material Selection

The choice of materials in Apex reflects its commitment to durability and harmony with the environment. Precast concrete blocks create a lightweight yet sturdy structure that resonates with the volcanic landscape. Blackened steel further enhances this relationship, providing strength while blending in with the natural forms.

Additional materials include fiberglass reinforced plastic and stainless steel cable mesh. Each of these choices contributes to the functionality and resilience of the project while maintaining a low visual profile.

The design’s cantilevered decks exhibit clean lines and an understated look that complements the area’s natural beauty. Every viewpoint created showcases the exceptional geology of Hverfjall, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the site from multiple angles.

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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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