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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

Project in-detail

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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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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