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Fluid Steel and Corten Structure Overlooking Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Michal Wituszynski, Dominik Zagajewski
Fluid Steel and Corten Structure Overlooking Volcanic Landscape
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Constructed from steel and corten, the viewpoint offers a dynamic interface with the volcanic landscape of Hverfjall, providing visitors with an immersive experience as they ascend towards the crater.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using steel columns and corten panels for durability against harsh weather.
02
Features interactive net-like surfaces that respond to visitors' movements.
03
Incorporates natural light through strategically placed openings enhancing visitor experience.
04
Designed to imitate the fluidity of lava and mimic the volcanic landscape.
05
Located in a unique geological setting near Hverfjall crater and Mývatn lake.

The design situated near Hverfjall crater and Mývatn lake integrates closely with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Serving as a viewpoint, it enhances visitor experiences as they make their way to the volcano's crater. The architecture reflects the active qualities of lava, creating a connection between the space and its natural environment.

Conceptual Framework

The design explores how architecture interacts with geological features. The form mimics the fluid characteristics of lava, inviting visitors into an imaginative experience. It allows users to engage their senses, fostering a connection with the land and the atmospheric elements that define the region.

User Experience

Natural light plays a significant role in the interior, guiding visitors as they ascend. This illumination helps create a space that feels both open and inviting. The presence of specialized nets adds another layer to the experience, providing a sense of instability as people walk across them. These nets not only encourage exploration but also offer a comfortable area to relax, balancing the need for adventure with quiet reflection.

Materiality and Structure

The structure relies on a set of materials that are durable and appropriate for the environment. Steel columns and welded elements support the framework, allowing for the integration of nets in various areas of the design. The staircase is made of modular stair treads, while the handrail is constructed from corten sheets. The nets consist of a blend of hemp and recycled plastic fibers, which ensure flexibility and durability in different weather conditions.

This thoughtful combination of materials reinforces the design's fluidity. The architecture responds to movement, creating a dynamic space that draws visitors in. Above, light filters through the nets, resembling the movement of boiling lava, and providing an engaging experience that connects the built environment to the powerful natural landscape surrounding it.

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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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Competition organisers

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
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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