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Elevated Observation Deck Crafted From Concrete and Wood in Geothermal Landscape

Author:
Alejandra Herrera souza
Elevated Observation Deck Crafted From Concrete and Wood in Geothermal Landscape

Project in-detail

An elevated observation deck of concrete and wood offers guests sweeping views while harmonizing with the geothermal landscape, serving as a unique guest house experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated observation deck designed for optimal views of the geothermal landscape.
02
Concrete structure shaped to blend with natural terrain features.
03
Pathways designed to mimic the patterns of geological cracks.
04
Water recycling system implemented for sustainable resource management.
05
Inclined wood walls enhance both aesthetics and environmental integration.

The Iceland Thermal Springs Guest House stands near Lake Mývatn, a region known for its geothermal landscape. It offers accommodation and wellness opportunities, designed to integrate with the natural surroundings. The concept centers on merging the building with the land, taking cues from the area's volcanic features while providing guests with a direct experience of nature.

Roof Design
The roof functions both as a protective cover and an observation deck, allowing visitors to take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This design encourages a smooth connection between the building and the ground, making it easy for guests to appreciate the natural setting. By blending into the topography, the roof enhances the overall experience of staying at the guest house.

Structural Composition
Concrete serves as the main building material, shaped to fit seamlessly with the terrain. This choice ensures stability while reflecting the geological identity of the landscape. The walls are inclined and use vertical wood techniques, which add depth to the design and create a dynamic relationship with the natural environment.

Pathways and Water Integration
Pathways are carefully arranged to guide visitors throughout the site. They are designed as continuous forms that mirror the shapes found in nature. This approach invites exploration and discovery, allowing guests to engage with both the architecture and the landscape. Water plays an important role in the layout, highlighted by a network of pipelines that converge in a central courtyard. This element creates a calming atmosphere and enhances the overall guest experience.

Sustainability Features
The design includes a water recycling system that collects rainwater for use in various functions like the flooding zone and toilets. This commitment to environmental sustainability promotes responsible resource management. The placement of water features throughout the site fosters a connection to the local ecosystem, demonstrating that the building is part of the greater landscape.

Natural light enters through well-placed openings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere inside. These openings frame views of the beautiful surroundings, allowing guests to feel connected to the landscape even when indoors.

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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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