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Elevated Observation Space with Geometric Triangle Form

Authors:
Marie Meinecke, Laura Klaproth
Elevated Observation Space with Geometric Triangle Form

Project in-detail

Elevated to six meters, the geometric triangle form facilitates panoramic views while serving as a functional visitor center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated observation deck provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Designed around a geometric triangle form, enhancing structural integrity.
03
Visitor center incorporates essential amenities for enhanced user experience.
04
Accessed via a spiral staircase, making the ascent part of the experience.
05
Strategically located near a geographical gap, emphasizing natural context.

The Iceland Triangle Tower is situated on the European continental plate, near a notable geographical gap. Serving as a visitor facility, the tower combines functional elements with a unique design concept rooted in geometric shapes. The triangle serves as the primary influence on the structure and pathway layouts, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful integration enhances both the visitor experience and the connection to nature.

Visitor Center

The visitor center is elevated to a height of 6.00 meters and can be reached by a spiral staircase. This design allows for a gradual transition from ground level to the observation deck, making the ascent part of the experience. As visitors move upward, they are invited to take in the changing views of the landscape. The center includes essential amenities such as a self-service café, a service point, an office, storage, and toilet facilities, aimed at enhancing visitor comfort and convenience.

Observation Deck

At the top of the tower, the observation deck offers expansive views of the gap and the surrounding terrain. This vantage point plays a key role in the design, encouraging visitors to appreciate the area’s unique geological features. The design of the deck focuses on maximizing visibility, allowing users to engage deeply with the environment, fostering a sense of connection to the natural surroundings.

Architectural Details

Plans and elevations are detailed at a scale of 1:200, providing clear insights into the layout and flow of spaces within the visitor center and observation platform. This level of detail ensures that movement throughout the design is intuitive and organized. The arrangement of spaces prioritizes clarity and functionality, ensuring a smooth visitor experience as they navigate through the building.

The top of the tower showcases clean lines and geometric forms that blend into the landscape. These architectural details reinforce the connection to its natural context while maintaining a contemporary expression. This thoughtful design creates an engaging experience for all who visit.

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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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