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Geothermal Caves Framed by Reinforced Concrete Towers

Author:
David Thompson
Geothermal Caves Framed by Reinforced Concrete Towers

Project in-detail

Set within a vast fault line, four reinforced concrete towers coexist with geothermal caves, creating a sunken walkway that enhances visitor engagement with Iceland's unique geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design directly integrates with the unique topography of a fault line.
02
Reinforced concrete panels echo the geological forms of the surrounding landscape.
03
A sunken walkway enhances visitor interaction with geothermal features.
04
The towers serve as structural links between two continents.
05
Geothermal caves are a central element, influencing temperature stability.

The Towers Of Vogar is set in a frozen landscape marked by an extensive fault line, which plays a key role in its design. The project features four towers that serve as a bridge between two continents, responding to the geological forces that have shaped the area over many years. The concept explores the relationship between shifts in the land and changes in temperature, creating a connection between the built environment and the natural world.

Spatial Organization
The design includes a sunken walkway that crosses the fault line, linking the visitor center with the nearby Vogagja Cave. This route encourages exploration and interaction, allowing visitors to engage with the geological features of the site. The arrangement of spaces highlights the significance of the fault line while providing an opportunity to learn about Iceland's unique natural history.

Materiality
The choice of a reinforced concrete paneling system is driven by the need for durability in a remote location facing severe weather. This material stands up to the challenges of the environment while ensuring that the structures remain stable and safe. An internal steel frame supports the panels, preserving a lightweight design that is visually cohesive and structurally sound.

User Experience
Visitors ascend a staircase that leads to an observation level, offering views of the surrounding landscape. As one climbs, the design emphasizes a connection with the natural environment, revealing different perspectives along the way. The architectural forms echo the fault line, with two concrete plates that represent the geological layers beneath the surface. The exposed passage invites the elements in, enhancing the connection between the structure and the land's raw power.

The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic atmosphere as sunlight filters through the concrete plates, reflecting the geological features below. This creates an experience that connects visitors to the essence of the Icelandic landscape, allowing them to feel the strength of nature in an engaging way.

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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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