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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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