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Circular Steel Platform Merging Bronze Elements with Volcanic Landscapes

Authors:
Sebastián Cardoso suter, David Zhou, Angeliki Chalkia
Circular Steel Platform Merging Bronze Elements with Volcanic Landscapes

Project in-detail

A circular steel platform, adorned with bronze elements, seamlessly integrates with the volcanic landscape, creating a functional viewpoint that invites visitors to engage with the unique geological features of Hverfjall.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design mimics natural geological formations.
02
Constructed with galvanized steel for weather resistance.
03
Bronze elements reflect changing light conditions.
04
Informative displays enhance visitor educational experience.
05
Spiral pathway creates varied viewing angles of the landscape.
The Hverfjall Lookout Point is an architectural intervention designed to enhance the visitor experience at one of Iceland's geological landmarks. Positioned near the Hverfjall volcanic crater, the structure serves as a viewing platform that facilitates a comprehensive engagement with the surrounding landscape. The design integrates functionality and aesthetics, providing various vantage points for observing the unique geological features of the area.

User engagement is at the forefront of the lookout point's function, as it encourages exploration and interaction with the natural environment. The circular platform design allows for unobstructed panoramic views, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the area's natural beauty while providing a safe and accessible route to the highest points of interest.

Innovative Design Integration

The design of the Hverfjall Lookout Point is characterized by its organic, winding form, derived from natural geological models. This circular configuration not only accommodates the varied topography of the site but also promotes a sense of continuity between human-made structure and natural landscape. The interplay between the built environment and the volcanic setting represents a thoughtful and site-specific approach, differing from traditional lookout designs which often impose rigid geometries onto landscapes.

The structure incorporates durable materials such as galvanized steel and bronze, chosen for their resilience against Iceland's harsh weather conditions. The use of these materials not only emphasizes the structural integrity of the lookout but also enhances the visual narrative of the project. The metallic finishes reflect the surrounding environment, merging the structure's appearance with the changing landscape throughout the day.

Functional Elements of Design

The lookout is equipped with various functional elements that enhance its utility. A spiraling pathway leads visitors upward, offering opportunities for rest with strategically placed benches made from brushed steel. These elements facilitate social interaction and contribute to a communal atmosphere. The design includes educational components, allowing for signage and interpretation displays that inform visitors about the geological significance of Hverfjall.

Strategically located at intervals along the path, these informative displays create an enriching experience, reinforcing the architectural intention of the lookout point as both a viewing platform and a site for learning. The careful consideration of scale and proportion ensures the structure coexists harmoniously with its surroundings, providing a visually appealing contrast to the rugged volcanic terrain.

For further insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the Hverfjall Lookout Point, we invite you to explore the project's presentation in detail. This exploration will offer a clearer understanding of the architectural ideas that shaped this unique project and its significance within the broader context of Iceland's natural landscape.
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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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