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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

Project in-detail

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 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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