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Elevated Triangular Platform with Corten Features Overlooking Icelandic Landscapes

Author:
Diana Heutschi
Elevated Triangular Platform with Corten Features Overlooking Icelandic Landscapes
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The elevated triangular platform, crafted from Corten steel and concrete, offers panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape while providing a sheltered rest area for tourists seeking an immersive connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The platform's triangular shape enhances the visual drama of the volcanic landscape.
02
Two corners of the platform extend upwards, creating elevated glazed viewpoints.
03
A weather-resistant Corten steel profile adds durability and warmth to the design.
04
A sheltered area with benches provides a resting space for visitors.
05
The staircase is angled to give the feeling of ascending into the sky.

The Iceland Volcano Lookout Point serves as a striking architectural feature in the rugged landscapes of Iceland. It has been designed to provide visitors with a unique perspective on the stunning scenery, allowing them to engage directly with the natural environment. The structure consists of a triangular platform elevated above the ground, creating multiple viewpoints that emphasize the dramatic beauty of the surroundings. The overall design focuses on enhancing the experience of being in nature, making it possible for tourists to appreciate the landscape from an elevated position.

Design Concept

The triangular shape of the platform is significant in its ability to draw focus to the views. The two corners of the platform rise high, forming glazed viewpoints that invite users to connect with the scenery. The design encourages an exploration of the area, making it possible for visitors to engage with the landscape from different angles. Beneath the platform, a sheltered area features two benches, allowing tourists to rest and take in the surroundings comfortably.

Material Considerations

Concrete is used only for the point foundations, providing necessary support while minimizing the amount of wet work required in a high-altitude setting. This choice is practical, as the location does not have road access, limiting construction logistics. Standard metal elements are incorporated into the overall design, simplifying the building process with bolted connections. This approach also allows for easier disassembly, making the materials reusable in future projects, which supports sustainable building practices.

Structural Elements

The overhead structure consists of a trapezoidal metal profile that protects visitors from the weather and prevents debris from falling. This feature is important for user safety and comfort, giving the space a welcoming feel. The staircase leads up to the platform and is angled in relation to the path, adding to the experience of ascending towards the viewpoints. This design decision creates a feeling of rising into the open sky, enhancing the overall interaction with the environment.

The project emphasizes a thoughtful relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape, marked by a clear transition from ground level to the elevated platform. The experience culminates in an appreciation for the natural beauty of Iceland, inviting exploration and contemplation in a stunning setting.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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