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Curved Black Steel Form with Integrated Cold Pool for Visitor Engagement

Authors:
Sarah Müller, Nuria Löwe
Curved Black Steel Form with Integrated Cold Pool for Visitor Engagement
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The integration of curved black steel walls and a central cold pool creates a unique visitor experience that encourages exploration while harmonizing with the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower features crossed walls that obscure internal staircases for enhanced exploration.
02
Curved walls channel wind, creating a dynamic airflow within the structure.
03
Irregularly placed windows resemble natural cave exits, framing specific views.
04
Small seating niches are integrated into circulation paths for quiet reflection.
05
A cold pool is centrally located in the sauna area, designed for scenic views.

The Iceland Cave Tower is located in the unique landscape of Iceland and serves as a gathering place for visitors. The design centers around the idea of connecting people with the natural world. With its walls made of black steel, the tower stands out while blending into the rugged terrain. The design creates a path for exploration, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding environment in a meaningful way.

Architectural Concept

The tower's design takes its cues from geological features found in nature. The overlapping walls are functional and create interesting airflow patterns. Visitors experience a sense of curiosity as they move through the crossed walls that hide the staircase. This layout encourages exploration and fosters social interaction by offering distinct pathways and gathering spaces within the structure.

Visitor Centre

At the base of the tower, the visitor centre plays a crucial role in the overall design. It sets the stage for what lies ahead, providing information about the site and its cultural significance. Visitors can relax in a lounge area with views of the landscape, while the upper-level café and bar create a lively atmosphere for social engagement.

Circulation and Experience

The design prioritizes thoughtful circulation throughout the tower. Small seating niches provide places for visitors to pause and enjoy the scenery. The combination of interlacing and offset walls adds visual interest and encourages movement within the space. As visitors navigate the pathways, they are invited to discover the various elements of the architecture and nature around them.

Sauna and Wellness Area

The sauna area enhances the project by offering privacy and a sense of community. It includes separate facilities for men and women, ensuring comfort for all. Central to this space is a cold pool, designed to take advantage of the stunning views of the natural surroundings. This thoughtful integration of wellness and nature emphasizes the overall aim of creating a welcoming environment.

Material choices include 14 mm steel sheets, pre-oxidized neoprene, and 40/40 mm steel T-sections. These materials are selected for their durability and ability to complement the design. Each element works together to create a cohesive architectural language that reflects the natural beauty of Iceland.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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