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Corten Steel Platform With Coiling Railing Over Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Andrea Von birgelen
Corten Steel Platform With Coiling Railing Over Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

A coiling railing of Corten steel guides visitors to a viewing platform that adapts elegantly to the volcanic terrain, offering a unique vantage point for exploring the dramatic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A coiling railing design enhances visitor interaction while navigating the platform.
02
The platform integrates seamlessly into varying terrain, allowing for adaptable cantilevering.
03
Constructed with Corten steel, the structure weathers naturally, blending with the landscape.
04
Translucent perforated plates offer visual permeability and connection to the surrounding environment.
05
Strategically positioned at the volcano's highest point, it maximizes scenic viewpoints.

The Volcano Hverfjall Lookout Point is an architectural design located at the highest point of the Hverfjall volcano in Iceland. The focus is on creating an engaging experience for visitors, allowing them to explore and connect with the stunning natural surroundings. The design emphasizes harmony with the environment, using forms that blend into the landscape rather than imposing on it.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the design is to integrate the viewing platform into the landscape. The platform's layout includes a coiling railing that leads visitors to a central area, encouraging them to pause and take in the earthy beauty around them. This design not only facilitates movement but also promotes moments of reflection in a dynamic setting.

Materials and Construction

The construction uses Corten steel and translucent perforated steel plate. Corten steel is known for its durability and blends well with the natural tones of the landscape, providing stability. The translucent perforated steel plate adds a sense of lightness, allowing for views of the environment from the platform. Together, these materials create a contrast that enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality of the structure.

Structural Adaptability

The platform is designed to adapt to various types of terrain, showcasing flexibility. In locations where the ground is 3-4 meters wide, the platform extends on both sides. For areas with a width of 6-7 meters, it extends on one side only. In flat areas wider than 10 meters, there are no cantilevers, allowing for an effective use of space. This adaptability helps the structure align with the unique characteristics of the site.

Visitor Experience

The design considers the journey of the visitor through the landscape. The placement of the viewing area maximizes scenic views of both the volcano and its surroundings, fostering a meaningful interaction with the site. The coiling railing plays a critical role, guiding visitors naturally while echoing the curves of the terrain, making navigation intuitive. This thoughtful approach enhances the overall experience, drawing visitors into the landscape while ensuring safety and comfort.

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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

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