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Reflective Steel and Natural Stone Create a Visitor Center Along the Mid Atlantic Ridge

Author:
David Tantimonaco
Reflective Steel and Natural Stone Create a Visitor Center Along the Mid Atlantic Ridge

Project in-detail

A mirrored steel facade and a natural stone wall define a visitor center that enhances connectivity to the landscape along the Mid Atlantic Ridge while providing essential facilities for exploration and observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirror facade reflects the surrounding landscape for visual harmony.
02
Natural stone wall minimizes structural footprint on the terrain.
03
Sloped roof design captures and collects rainwater sustainably.
04
Visitor paths emphasize engagement with the scenic environment.
05
Modular structure allows for future adaptability and expansion.

The Iceland Cave Tower is a carefully designed structure located along the Mid Atlantic Ridge, intended to serve as an observation point and visitor center. It aims to create a strong connection between the building and its natural surroundings. The overall design focuses on enhancing visitor experiences while respecting the landscape.

Design Concept

The concept behind the design encourages a deeper relationship between visitors and the environment. The roof is made with a mirror facade, allowing it to reflect the sky and blend into the surroundings. This design takes cues from traditional Icelandic architecture, creating a form that fits well within its context. Set on a natural stone wall, the structure minimizes its impact on the site, promoting a close interaction between its occupants and the landscape.

Functional Composition

The visitor center includes essential spaces such as a bar, office, restrooms, and waiting areas. Sustainability is an important aspect of the design, evident in the sloped roof, which collects rainwater. This feature demonstrates a commitment to ecological practices. The layout allows for smooth movement through the building, offering sweeping views of the Ridge while providing access to various facilities.

Experiential Design

The Iceland Cave Tower changes the idea of a traditional observation tower by incorporating a ramp. This design choice emphasizes the experience of walking up a 30-meter path instead of simply reaching a higher point. Visitors can engage more actively with their surroundings, taking time to appreciate the scenery as they make their way up. This focus on movement offers a different perspective on how one can experience such locations.

Materiality and Structure

The project uses modular curtain walls made of sandwich panels for temperature control and strength. The exterior features mirror steel that reflects the environment, allowing the structure to maintain visual continuity with its surroundings. A simple glass facade complements these walls, ensuring that natural light fills the interior. Steel truss beams give the structure solid support while contributing to a light and open appearance.

The roof’s modular nature allows for future adaptability, enabling the tower to evolve as visitor needs change. This flexibility is part of the overall design, which integrates well with the terrain. The reflective surfaces of the building create a dynamic visual experience, as the sky and landscape are mirrored back. This encourages visitors to engage with the structure and the beautiful environment it occupies.

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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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