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Mirage-Inspired Observation Tower with Sintered Stone and Glass Volumes

Authors:
Sara Aiello, Valentina maria Bagarotti, Pierpaolo Ruggiero, Chiara Tuppi
Mirage-Inspired Observation Tower with Sintered Stone and Glass Volumes

Project in-detail

Sintered stone and glass volumes coalesce in a mirage-inspired structure that extends toward the American Plate, creating an observation tower that enhances the visitor experience in the unique Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the Fata Morgana mirage phenomenon.
02
Comprises five geometric volumes to create visual lightness.
03
Designed to connect the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.
04
Features a geothermal heating system for energy efficiency.
05
Incorporates vertical wind turbines to harness local wind energy.

The MORGANA observation tower is located near the Grjótagjá Caves on the Eurasian Plate in Iceland. It serves as a visitor attraction that combines the area's natural beauty with stories from local mythology, particularly that of Morgan le Fay, also known as Fata Morgana. The design draws inspiration from the concept of a mirage, evident in the arrangement of geometric volumes that invites viewers to take in the surrounding landscape in a distinctive way.

Structural Design and Composition

The tower consists of five geometric volumes, three made from transparent glass and two crafted from sintered stone. This combination creates an effect of lightness and fluidity, which visually interacts with the environment. The volumes function independently yet connect through a central reinforced concrete elevator that maintains structural stability and accessibility throughout all levels.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

Inside the tower, spaces are organized to enhance the visitor experience. The ground floor includes an infopoint, restrooms, an office, and storage facilities to meet fundamental visitor needs. The first floor features a café and rooftop area, encouraging social interaction. Above, the second floor, known as "Iceland Soundland," immerses visitors in the unique sounds of the region. The third floor offers panoramic views of the surroundings, while the fourth floor embraces a theme called "Imagineland," exploring aspects of Icelandic culture.

Material Usage and Sustainability

Material selection plays an important role in the tower's overall character. Sintered stone is used for the solid elements, providing strength and stability within the rugged terrain. The glass sections allow natural light to flood the interiors and create a connection between inside and outside, enhancing the illusory aspect of the design. Sustainability is addressed through the use of vertical wind turbines in the parking area, which capture wind energy, and a geothermal heating system positioned below the building to support its energy needs.

The observation deck points outward, reaching toward the American Plate. It offers visitors a wide view of the unique Icelandic landscape, emphasizing the links between the myth, architectural form, and the natural world.

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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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