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Lava Stone Observation Tower With Glazed Views and Sustainable Design

Authors:
Roberto Simeone, Alessandro Ciocci, Camilla Pagano mariano
Lava Stone Observation Tower With Glazed Views and Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Rising from the Icelandic landscape, a tower clad in local lava stone and equipped with a glazed observatory provides panoramic views while serving as a bridge connecting fractured earth plates.
5 key facts about this project
01
A vertical tower allows 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
02
The structure connects two earth plates divided by a significant geological crack.
03
Local lava stone serves as the primary material for the building's exterior.
04
The inclusion of sheep wool insulation enhances thermal performance.
05
Integrated lighting elements are concealed within the pathway borders.

The Iceland cave tower is an impressive structure situated in a landscape characterized by broad horizons and geological features. The overall design emphasizes verticality, creating a clear focal point amidst the flat terrain. This building contains multiple functional areas that work together to enhance both usability and the connection to nature.

Design Structure
The architectural concept is based on a system of Cartesian axes, organizing three main volumes. The vertical tower rises prominently, serving as an observation point that provides extensive views of the surroundings. A transversal volume acts as a bridge, linking two earth plates divided by a significant crack, which helps to address the rocky fracture between them. This arrangement is further supported by a longitudinal volume that parallels the crack, allowing for visual engagement with the natural landscape.

Functionality and User Experience
The layout of the building is designed to facilitate movement and enhance the user experience. The ground level functions as an entrance and connecting bridge that ties different sections of the structure together. The second level features large windows on opposite sides, creating a lounge area and small office that frame the outdoor views. The tower contains staircases and an elevator, leading to a glazed observatory that offers a wide-ranging perspective of the area.

Material Considerations
The materials reflect a focus on sustainability and regional relevance. The exterior is covered with local lava stone slabs, establishing a link to the geological context. The use of a double insulating panel made from sheep wool improves thermal efficiency, helping maintain comfortable interior conditions in changing weather. Glass fiber reinforced concrete is also utilized for its strength, ensuring durability against environmental factors.

Exterior Design and Pathways
The pathways around the building are designed to enhance the connection between the structure and its natural surroundings. These paths feature a stone pebble surface and are bordered by folded metal elements that conceal lighting fixtures, enhancing visibility while blending into the landscape. This thoughtful design approach aims to create a harmonious relationship between the building and its setting.

The tower's observatory, surrounded by expansive glass panels, provides uninterrupted views, allowing occupants to experience the beauty of the landscape. Each element of the design contributes to an inviting atmosphere, fostering a sense of connection to the striking environment.

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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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