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Corten Steel Cantilevers Enhancing Geological Views in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Lauren Couch
Corten Steel Cantilevers Enhancing Geological Views in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Cantilevered forms of Corten steel extend gracefully over Iceland's unique geological landscape, creating a Visitor Center that both educates and connects visitors with the striking natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding geology.
02
Corten steel develops a protective rust layer, ensuring durability against harsh weather.
03
Shou sugi ban cladding enhances interior warmth while improving material resistance.
04
Rainwater harvesting system provides treated water for visitor use and promotes sustainability.
05
Photovoltaic panels combined with battery storage support energy needs year-round.

The Visitor Center at Grjótagjá is located in a unique geological area of Iceland, combining architectural design with the natural environment. It serves as a space for visitors to explore and learn about the remarkable rock formations in the region. The overall design concept emphasizes educational experiences and promotes interaction with the landscape, while the building itself extends out toward the ravine, creating a balance between built form and nature.

Materials and Form

Corten steel is a primary material used in the construction, known for its strength and durability in harsh weather. This material develops a protective layer of rust that not only increases its lifespan but also allows it to blend in with the rugged surroundings. The design features sharp edges and clean lines, which guide visitors toward important geological sites like Karlagjá and Kvennagjá. The cantilevered design gives the center a lightweight appearance, ensuring it complements rather than overshadows the landscape.

Spatial Organization

The center consists of two distinct levels: the lower level includes a ramp with an interior space and a lower platform, while the upper level functions as a viewing platform. This layout supports smooth movement throughout the building and offers various viewpoints of the surrounding geological features. By positioning the center between the viewing caves, it effectively separates the different areas, creating a clear distinction between those meant for viewing and those meant for bathing.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an important focus of the design. Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof provide electricity to the center, with battery storage to ensure energy is available even in less favorable weather. The design also incorporates a system for rainwater collection, allowing rain to be captured and treated for drinking. These sustainable features reflect a commitment to minimizing the ecological impact of the building while educating visitors about the local environment.

Interior Detail

Inside the Visitor Center, shou sugi ban cladding is used, providing a warm and textured contrast to the exterior Corten steel. This technique not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves the wood's resilience against the elements. Natural light entering through carefully positioned openings interacts with the textures, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The thoughtful use of materials and light enhances the overall experience within this carefully designed space.

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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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