Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Stainless Steel Viewpoint Over Icelandic Volcano

Author:
Tongyu Zhang
Elevated Stainless Steel Viewpoint Over Icelandic Volcano

Project in-detail

Rising 13 meters above a volcanic landscape, a stainless steel seesaw creates an interactive viewpoint that allows visitors to engage with the geological features and the scenic Mývatn Lake in a safe and immersive manner.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rises 13 meters to provide elevated views of a volcano and Mývatn Lake.
02
Incorporates a vertical rotation mechanism for dynamic user interaction.
03
Designed with 39 safety booths for enhanced visitor security.
04
Constructed within a compact 10m x 10m footprint to minimize land use.
05
Made of stainless steel to withstand Iceland's harsh weather conditions.

The Volcano Seesaw is located near a volcano in Iceland and is designed to serve as a unique viewpoint for visitors. This structure allows people to rise up to 13 meters, providing a clear view of the volcanic landscape and Mývatn Lake. The main idea behind the design is to create an interactive experience that combines fun with an appreciation for the natural environment. It changes the typical idea of lookouts.

Structural Design
The form of the seesaw spans 50 meters in length and is aimed upward when not in use. This design invites visitors to engage with the structure and experience a sense of elevation as they move. It features a vertical rotation mechanism, allowing it to shift gently with the weight of the users. The movement is carefully controlled through a damping system, ensuring a safe experience.

Safety Features
Safety is a key part of the design. The structure includes 39 booths on one side that help protect users during operation. These booths are strategically placed to provide security while people are at play. The design focuses on ensuring enjoyment without compromising safety.

Site Integration
The seesaw fits within a compact 10m x 10m area, with only 6.5 square meters fixed to the ground. This small footprint makes it suitable for the location while allowing significant height. The structure effectively addresses environmental concerns, fitting naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Material Choice
Stainless steel is the chosen material for construction. This choice improves the durability of the seesaw in Iceland’s harsh weather conditions. It also helps keep maintenance minimal. The shiny surface of the steel reflects light, adding to the visual presence of the seesaw against the natural backdrop.

The structure presents an opportunity for visitors to engage actively with the land, offering an experience that promotes connection to the unique volcanic landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy