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Exploring Elevated Perspectives Through Charred Wooden Shingles and Angular Timber Structures

Authors:
Zhe Peng, Lei Mao, Xiaoju Liao
Exploring Elevated Perspectives Through Charred Wooden Shingles and Angular Timber Structures

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and angular timber structures create a contemplative lookout that harmonizes with Iceland's rugged landscape, facilitating a unique engagement with the environment for visitors seeking reflection and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while creating a textured aesthetic that merges with the landscape.
02
Bent A-frame design provides structural stability and facilitates optimal sightlines for observation.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure sustainability and contribute to efficient thermal performance.
04
Integrated pathways guide visitors through a meandering journey of exploration and reflection.
05
Elevated placement offers panoramic views that establish a strong connection with Iceland's natural beauty.
Odin’s Gallows is an architectural design project situated in a rugged landscape inspired by Iceland's geological characteristics. The project serves as both an observatory and an interpretive space, drawing on themes from Norse mythology, particularly the story of Odin's quest for wisdom. The design aims to create a connection between the natural environment and the human experience, facilitating both contemplation and connection to the landscape.

The structure's design incorporates a series of triangular motifs, reflecting the narrative of sacrifice and knowledge. This symbolic representation is not only visually compelling but also serves to guide visitors through a journey of understanding. The arrangement of spaces within the structure encourages exploration and interaction with the environment, enhancing the overall experience.

Materiality and Structural Integration

The project emphasizes sustainable material choices that promote harmony with the surrounding landscape. The predominant use of wood lends a natural quality to the design, while concrete provides necessary stability to the structural framework. Glass and steel elements are used strategically to create viewing platforms that integrate interior and exterior experiences, allowing for unobstructed sightlines of the breathtaking landscape.

A unique feature of Odin’s Gallows is its alignment with the terrain. The building’s footings follow the natural contours, resulting in a design that appears as if it has emerged from the ground itself. This integration minimizes disruption to the site and fosters a sense of unity between the architectural form and the ecological environment.

Narrative and Functionality

Odin’s Gallows is designed not merely as a physical structure but as a narrative space that evokes exploration and thought. The layout is crafted to lead visitors on a journey, invoking the essence of mythological storytelling while providing practical functions such as observation, learning, and reflection. Pathways that meander throughout the interior create a dynamic flow, inviting visitors to experience the space in a non-linear fashion.

The building's triangular forms serve multiple functions. They enhance structural stability, serve as distinct visual markers in the landscape, and encapsulate the thematic elements integral to Norse mythology. This multifaceted design approach differentiates Odin’s Gallows from conventional observatories and architectural projects, as it not only prioritizes aesthetic appeal but also emphasizes narrative and cultural significance.

The combination of these elements positions Odin’s Gallows as a relevant exploration in contemporary architecture. To gain a deeper understanding of its architectural plans, sections, and overall design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further for detailed insights into its unique architectural ideas.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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