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Exploring Compressed Spaces with Steel Walls Amid Volcanic Landscapes

Authors:
Alex Matute, Emma Schnelle
Exploring Compressed Spaces with Steel Walls Amid Volcanic Landscapes
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Large-scale steel walls define the experience of navigating through dark, compressed spaces that reveal stunning vistas of volcanic landscapes, inviting visitors to engage with the unique environment of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large-scale steel walls create a series of dark, compressed passages.
02
Visitors navigate through a switchback layout that mirrors the topography.
03
Ground levels are manipulated to enhance views of Myvatn Lake.
04
The design focuses on contrasting spaces to evoke discovery.
05
Carefully framed openings highlight specific geological features.

Hverfjall Point is located near Myvatn Lake and the Dimmuborgir rock formations in Iceland. The design aims to create an experience that encourages visitors to explore and engage with the surrounding volcanic landscape. The concept focuses on guiding movement through a series of varying spatial conditions, transitioning between moments of closeness and openness.

Conceptual Framework

Large-scale steel walls serve a critical role in the design. These walls invite curiosity and allow visitors to interact with the space from different angles. Their presence creates an environment that stimulates engagement and enhances the visitor's relationship with the landscape.

Spatial Experience

Visitors move through a sequence of dark, narrow passages defined by tall walls, which eventually lead to more open areas. These transitions are carefully planned to frame views of the nearby scenery, enriching the experience as visitors adjust their perspectives. Each turn introduces new elements of the landscape, fostering a sense of discovery and connection to the unique setting.

Landscape Integration

The design incorporates a switchback layout that reflects the surrounding topography. This allows for both ascending and descending movements, encouraging interaction with the natural landforms. The ground level is adjusted, with elevations raised near the lava fields and lowered toward the lake. This thoughtful manipulation emphasizes the relationship between the architecture and its environment.

Design Elements

A distinct contrast exists throughout the project, balancing light and dark spaces as well as open and confined areas. These varying experiences create a hierarchy within the landscape, making it easy for visitors to connect with their surroundings. Hverfjall Point integrates naturally with the environment, showcasing how architecture can enhance the appreciation of nature.

The carefully framed views draw attention to the beauty of Iceland's geological features, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the landscape while navigating through diverse spatial experiences.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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