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Panoramic Viewing Tower with Natural Landscape Integration

Author:
William Jones
Panoramic Viewing Tower with Natural Landscape Integration

Project in-detail

Rising from the rim of Hverfjall, the tower's design integrates functionality with multiple viewing platforms, ensuring visitors can fully engage with the expansive landscapes of Lake Myvatn while sheltering from unpredictable weather.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rim position enhances views of Lake Myvatn.
02
Multiple observation platforms provide varied perspectives.
03
Sheltered areas address unpredictable weather conditions.
04
Design integrates with the natural topography.
05
Natural light floods the interior through strategic openings.

The Hverfjall Tower is an architectural feature set against the dramatic backdrop of Hverfjall, near Lake Myvatn in Iceland. It enhances the relationship between visitors and the stunning natural landscape. The tower rises from the rim of Hverfjall and serves multiple purposes: providing a space for viewing the area’s beauty and offering shelter during adverse weather conditions.

Design Intent

The design centers on fostering a connection between people and the surrounding environment. By carefully positioning the tower, it becomes a point of focus in the landscape, encouraging exploration and interaction. Visitors are drawn to experience their surroundings from a new perspective, making the structure an important part of their journey through the area.



Visitor Experience

Inside, the Hverfjall Tower offers a variety of viewing areas that allow visitors to take in panoramic views of Lake Myvatn and its unique geological features. The top of the structure culminates in a platform that provides a full 360-degree view, allowing people to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the landscape in one location.



Functional Aspects

While designed for observation, the tower also addresses practical needs. It includes sheltered spaces that protect visitors from the unpredictable weather of the region. This focus on comfort and safety allows visitors to spend more time enjoying the views and immersing themselves in nature.



Environmental Integration

The architecture respects the natural landscape, promoting a visual balance between the tower and its surroundings. The positioning of the structure enhances key views of the terrain, strengthening the connection between the building and the context.

Large openings are placed to welcome natural light, creating bright spaces inside that contrast with the rugged exterior. This design choice encourages visitors to pause and appreciate the scenery while enjoying a degree of comfort from the elements.

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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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