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Cascading Water and Light Tower Amid Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Gunnar Groves-raines
Cascading Water and Light Tower Amid Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

The central column of cascading water and light transforms the landscape, creating an immersive viewing experience that invites visitors to engage with the natural beauty of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a central column that acts as both a waterfall and a visual landmark.
02
Water and light are integral to the experiential quality of the tower, enhancing interaction with the environment.
03
Pathways are strategically placed to promote exploration and connection to the Icelandic landscape.
04
The structure harmonizes with the natural topography, reflecting the unique characteristics of its surroundings.
05
Visitor experiences vary uniquely with changing weather and light conditions throughout the day.

The Tower of Dreams is an architectural structure located in Iceland, reflecting the unique character of its landscape. Designed to function both as a viewpoint and a landmark, the building creates a connection between visitors and the surrounding natural environment. Its concept revolves around the interaction of light and water, emphasizing the features that define Iceland’s dramatic scenery.

Architectural Form

The design includes a prominent central column, which represents concepts of movement and change, mimicking natural elements like waterfalls and geysers. This column draws attention, constantly altering its appearance due to varying light and weather conditions. The fluidity of the structure encourages viewers to interpret it in different ways, allowing for a variety of experiences depending on an individual’s perspective.

Visitor Engagement

Pathways and viewing platforms are essential components of the design, emphasizing accessibility while promoting exploration of the area. These features invite visitors to interact with the tower and its surroundings, creating opportunities for both personal reflection and social experiences. As people wander through the site, they engage more deeply with the natural world, enhancing their overall experience.

Integration with Landscape

The building's relationship with the landscape is crucial to its design. It carefully responds to the topography, showcasing the distinct qualities of the Icelandic environment. By aligning with the natural features of the site, the structure becomes more than just a building; it serves as an extension of the landscape itself. This connection enriches the visitor experience, making it both meaningful and memorable.

Visual Elements

Water and light play significant roles in shaping how the Tower of Dreams is perceived. Water is a key aspect of the design, contributing to both the aesthetics and the overall experience of the structure. Light influences how the tower is viewed against Iceland's changing backdrop. Together, these elements create a dynamic interaction that captivates visitors, emphasizing the fluid nature of the environment.

As sunlight filters through the water, reflections dance across surfaces, enriching the visual experience for everyone who encounters the tower.

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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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