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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Elevate Observation Tower in Rugged Landscape

Authors:
Anton Boman, Lars filip Cullin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Elevate Observation Tower in Rugged Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the observation tower seamlessly integrates with its rugged Icelandic surroundings, inviting visitors to engage with the breathtaking landscape while providing a unique vantage point for exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural integrity while minimizing material use.
03
Utilizes expansive glass facades to blur the lines between interior space and rugged external environment.
04
Positioned strategically to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing visitor experience.
05
Constructed with a focus on local materials, reinforcing the project’s connection to its Icelandic context.
The architectural project under review achieves a significant integration of built form with the natural landscape, establishing a dialogue that respects and enhances its surroundings. The design represents a thoughtful consideration of context, function, and materiality, showcasing how architecture can both stand apart and harmoniously coexist with the environment. Positioned in a rugged terrain reminiscent of Iceland's geological features, this project serves multiple purposes, including functions that invite public engagement while providing unique experiences rooted in nature.

The primary function of the project is to serve as a point of observation and information, allowing visitors to engage directly with the landscape. The architecture emphasizes transparency and connectivity, utilizing expansive glass facades that invite natural light and frame stunning vistas of the surrounding cliffs. This design choice reinforces the project’s intention to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, creating a fluid relationship that encourages exploration and interaction with the environment.

A noteworthy aspect of this project is its vertical structure, a slender tower that not only rises above the landscape but also creates an inviting ascent for visitors. The form encourages upward movement, echoing the natural verticality of the cliffs and enhancing the feeling of being immersed in the landscape. The open platforms at various levels provide spaces for both contemplation and social interaction, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views while facilitating a communal atmosphere. The careful consideration of circulation paths ensures that movement through the space feels intuitive and cohesive, promoting a leisurely experience that aligns with the natural rhythms of the surrounding area.

Materiality is another critical element that defines this project. The careful selection of materials such as steel, glass, and concrete reflects a commitment to durability while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the architecture. The steel framework provides structural integrity, ensuring the building can withstand the elements while contributing to its minimalist profile. Glass is extensively used, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors and allowing the play of light and shadow to accentuate the interiors throughout different times of the day. Concrete, selected for its robustness and versatility, forms the building’s base and pathways, grounding the design while allowing it to interact intelligently with its site.

The architectural approach is characterized by an environmental sensitivity that is evident in various layers of the design. Rather than imposing on the landscape, the architecture seeks to merge with it, utilizing local materials and cues from the topography to reinforce a sense of belonging. The project's elaborate detailing encompasses insightful references to geological formations and cultural narratives, further deepening its connection to the locale. This contextual awareness fosters a greater appreciation of the surrounding nature, inviting visitors to engage with the site’s unique characteristics.

The unique design approaches employed in this project reflect a modern interpretation of architecture that prioritizes environmental harmony and user experience. The combination of a light architectural footprint with thoughtful spatial design promotes sustainability while enhancing the overall aesthetic. The architecture raises awareness about the relationship between humanity and nature, encouraging reflection on how built environments can coexist with their natural counterparts.

For a thorough understanding of this architectural project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which delves into the intricate details of the architectural plans, sections, and designs. By reviewing these elements, one can gain deeper insights into the architectural ideas that underpin this comprehensive project and appreciate the thoughtful processes that have shaped its development.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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