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Geothermal Gridshell Embracing Tectonic Landscapes as a Visitor Center

Author:
Yannick Datzer
Geothermal Gridshell Embracing Tectonic Landscapes as a Visitor Center

Project in-detail

A self-stiffening gridshell mirrors the contours of Iceland's tectonic landscape, providing sustainable geothermal heating for a visitor center that enhances the experience of the region's natural hot springs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Self-stiffening gridshell structure reduces material use while providing stability.
02
Geothermal heating system utilizes natural hot springs for energy efficiency.
03
Negative outline of a cave enhances integration with the surrounding landscape.
04
Fragmented exterior patterns reflect local geological features.
05
Visitor center designed to facilitate educational engagement with local geology.

The Iceland Cave Tower, known as "2Friends," is located in a unique volcanic region of Iceland where two tectonic plates meet. The building serves as a visitor center and café, providing an opportunity for guests to connect with the natural beauty around them. The design concept centers on integrating the look of caves and the unique geological features of the area, inviting visitors into a space that feels part of the landscape.

Design Integration
The tower takes on the negative shape of a cave, allowing it to rise naturally without overpowering the surroundings. This design choice creates a connection with the environment, guiding visitors from the hot springs to the tower with ease. The building’s form shifts and adapts, enhancing the experience as people move through the space.

Functional Spaces
Inside the tower, a café and information center welcome visitors, offering a place to learn about the local geology and culture. These areas encourage interaction and engagement, providing valuable insights into the region's natural features and historical context. Visitors can easily access bathing areas and an open cave, while a viewing platform showcases stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability Considerations
The building embraces an environmentally friendly approach through geothermal heating sourced from the hot springs. This method not only warms the interior but also ensures that filtered water is available for drinking. This commitment to sustainability reflects an awareness of the environment and the importance of preserving natural resources.

Materiality
Constructed using a self-stiffening gridshell, the tower remains stable while maintaining a lightweight structure. The exterior showcases fragmented patterns that mirror the area's geological characteristics, visually linking the building with its environment. This attention to detail emphasizes the relationship between the natural and built landscapes, grounding the project in its Icelandic context.

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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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