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Stainless Steel Cages Supporting Volcanic Stone Lookout over Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Michael May
Stainless Steel Cages Supporting Volcanic Stone Lookout over Icelandic Landscape
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Utilizing stainless steel cages and locally sourced volcanic stone, the lookout point offers a sturdy observation platform that enhances visitor engagement with the dramatic Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes modular stainless steel cages for structural support.
02
Constructed with volcanic stone sourced directly from the site.
03
Features a 360-degree panoramic entrance for unobstructed views.
04
Designed to provide shelter from prevailing winds for visitor comfort.
05
Integrates local materials to reinforce the connection with the landscape.

The lookout point at Hverfjall Volcano in Iceland is designed to connect visitors with the remarkable landscape of the area. Set in a remote part of the country, it serves as an observation platform that encourages engagement with the stunning volcanic features surrounding it. The design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, highlighted by a series of standardized tapered steps that create a gradual ascent.

Construction Methodology

A straightforward construction method is central to the design. Stainless steel cages form the main structural element, allowing for flexible configurations tailored to the site. These cages can easily clip together, establishing a strong base for the lookout while minimizing disruption to the natural environment. This approach reflects a commitment to practicality in a challenging setting.

Material Integration

Volcanic stone from the surrounding landscape is integral to the project. After the cages are assembled, stones are added and tamped down to solidify the structure. This not only supports the overall framework but brings a visual harmony with the site. The use of local materials is significant, reinforcing the connection between the lookout point and the natural features of Hverfjall.

Safety and Functionality

The design includes essential safety features, such as glass panels that provide protection without blocking views. These panels attach directly to the stainless steel framework, ensuring a safe environment while allowing visitors to fully enjoy the scenery. A 360-degree panoramic entrance adds to the functionality, making the experience of visiting particularly immersive.

Attention to detail is also evident in the provision of shelter from winds, enhancing visitor comfort, especially in unpredictable weather. The overall design reflects a careful balance between structural needs and respect for the surrounding landscape. It offers a practical solution that invites exploration and appreciation of Iceland's volcanic beauty.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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