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Corten Steel Structure Reflecting Icelandic Folklore Through Engaging Community Spaces

Authors:
Stefan Soptelea, Mihaela Simion
Corten Steel Structure Reflecting Icelandic Folklore Through Engaging Community Spaces

Project in-detail

With a façade of weathered Corten steel and reflective surfaces that echo Icelandic folklore, the design artfully intertwines cultural narratives with interactive exhibition spaces, inviting community engagement amid stunning panoramic views.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade is crafted from weathered Corten steel, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the Icelandic landscape.
02
Reflective surfaces are strategically incorporated to create dynamic interactions with both light and the surrounding environment.
03
An underground pathway serves as a dedicated exhibition space, immersing visitors in Icelandic folklore before reaching the main structure.
04
The design emphasizes voids to enhance the visitor experience, encouraging contemplation and engagement with the space.
05
Panoramic observation points offer sweeping views of the rugged Icelandic terrain, enhancing the connection to nature.
The Volid Tower is an architectural project located in Iceland that effectively embodies the region's cultural narratives and landscapes while providing a functional space for community engagement and exploration. This project represents a harmonious blend of folklore and contemporary design, drawing inspiration from Iceland's rich mythological heritage, particularly the legends surrounding trolls. The architecture serves not only as a physical structure but also as a narrative device, inviting visitors to experience the interplay between cultural storytelling and the built environment.

Functionally, the Volid Tower is designed to serve multiple purposes. It includes exhibition spaces where local art and folklore are showcased, an observation platform offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and a café that encourages social interaction. The project's layout is meticulous, with an underground path leading to the tower that is intended to engage visitors with exhibits and installations related to Icelandic legends. This journey from the underground space to the towering heights above creates a sense of progression, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the stories being told.

Key elements of the Volid Tower's architecture include its distinctive materiality and spatial organization. Crafted primarily from Corten steel with a warm brown-orange finish, the facade blends seamlessly with the natural environment while ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions. The use of glass within the structure allows for an abundance of natural light, enhancing the sense of openness while creating reflections that interact with the surrounding landscape. The combination of these materials not only reinforces the connection to the earth but also encapsulates the themes of light and darkness that run throughout the project's design philosophy.

The layout features a strategic balance between underground and above-ground spaces. The underground area is designed as an exhibition venue, allowing for educational experiences that engage visitors with local culture and history. In contrast, the observation platform serves as a pinnacle of the structure, providing panoramic views that further illuminate the natural beauty of Iceland. This duality of space—an inviting, participatory zone above and a contemplative, narrative-rich area below—allows the Volid Tower to cater to diverse visitor needs and experiences.

What sets the Volid Tower apart is its unique approach to architectural engagement with mythology and the senses. The design invokes the concept of voids as both a physical and metaphorical representation of absence and presence. These voids are evident in the careful articulation of space, creating moments of pause and reflection throughout the visitor's journey. The reflective surfaces in the structure serve not only an aesthetic purpose but also challenge visitors' perceptions, encouraging them to contemplate both their environment and themselves.

This project exemplifies a successful integration of architecture and storytelling, demonstrating how built forms can enrich cultural narratives while providing practical functions. Each aspect of the Volid Tower, from its carefully chosen materials to its thoughtful spatial layout, serves a purpose in enhancing the visitor experience while paying homage to the stories that inspire it. For those interested in architectural plans, architectural designs, and the underlying architectural ideas that shaped this project, it is encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation for a more detailed understanding of this innovative endeavor.
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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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