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Pinewood Facade Overlooking Iceland’s Geographic Features

Authors:
Tuan Tran anh, Thang Phung ngoc, Hieu Ngo minh
Pinewood Facade Overlooking Iceland’s Geographic Features

Project in-detail

The design showcases a pinewood facade that harmonizes with Iceland’s striking landscape while serving as an observation tower, allowing visitors to engage with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Developed as a connection point between two continents, the tower offers distinct views of Europe and North America.
02
Constructed using steel frames, it ensures stability while minimizing ecological impact.
03
The design integrates large glass surfaces to enhance natural light and views.
04
A pedestrian bridge links the tower to iconic landmarks like Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Volcano.
05
The technical station utilizes geothermal energy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

R'hllor Tower is an architectural structure located in the captivating landscape of Iceland, designed to resonate with the themes of light and nature. Drawing its inspiration from R'hllor, the god of light, heat, and life from *Game of Thrones*, the tower embodies a connection between the natural environment and the built form. Functionally, it serves as both an observation point and a gateway for visitors to engage with the surrounding topography, allowing them to experience the unique characteristics of Icelandic phenomena.

Structural Identity

The tower reinforces its vertical design through a careful relationship with its surroundings, acting as a direct axis between Europe and North America. This orientation promotes a conversation between two landmasses, inviting exploration through its pathways. A pedestrian bridge extends horizontally, linking the tower to nearby landmarks such as Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Volcano. This design choice enriches the landscape with both geological and cultural significance.

Transparency and Light

The use of large glass surfaces in the tower's design allows abundant natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. This transparency creates interaction with the external environment, where visitors can witness the landscape’s beauty throughout the day. Lighting is strategically placed, with large beam angle downlights and interior linear LEDs that highlight the architectural forms. This approach enhances the experience within the tower while ensuring that views remain unobstructed.

Material Selection

Steel frames and trusses form the primary structural elements, providing stability and durability while minimizing ecological impact. The choice of these materials supports a strong framework suited to the site’s natural conditions. The pedestrian bridge features a façade of pinewood planks, which adds a warm quality that aligns with the landscape, resulting in a visual contrast against Iceland's rugged scenery.

The design also includes practical amenities, such as parking and restrooms. These facilities are integrated into the site without detracting from the main architectural focus. A technical station connected to a geothermal system exemplifies the commitment to sustainable practices by making use of Iceland's natural energy sources.

A final notable detail of R'hllor Tower is the observation platform that encourages visitors to engage with the breathtaking views. It creates an opportunity for a personal experience of the Icelandic landscape, highlighting the unique beauty found in this natural setting.

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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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