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Steel and Glass Viewing Towers Embracing Iceland's Natural Landscape

Authors:
Zsolt Alexa, Ivett Tarr, Flóra Anna Tátrai, Ákos Schreck Donát Rabb
Steel and Glass Viewing Towers Embracing Iceland's Natural Landscape
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Steel and glass viewing towers rise above Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, offering immersive pathways and direct engagement with geological features while providing vital information to visitors exploring the unique natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Steel and glass structures provide panoramic views of Mývatn Lake.
02
Pathways are designed to connect various geological features seamlessly.
03
Movable bridges enhance interaction with the surrounding landscape.
04
Caves are incorporated to showcase the unique geological formation.
05
Visitor areas are integrated for moments of reflection and observation.

Set against the dramatic landscape of Iceland, the design serves as a gateway to the area's unique geological features. The overall concept focuses on immersion and exploration, allowing visitors to engage thoughtfully with the surrounding environment. By merging built structures with natural formations, the work creates a journey that emphasizes the relationship between the land and architecture.

Pathways and Transitions

Carefully planned pathways guide visitors through contrasting terrains. They lead from the stark black lava desert to lush green meadows. This transition allows guests to appreciate the ecological diversity of the area. Each step taken along the paths encourages a deeper connection with the landscape, inviting a sense of curiosity about the natural world.

Viewing Towers

One key aspect of the design is the inclusion of viewing towers. These structures are placed where they can offer elevated views, especially of the nearby Mývatn Lake. Visitors ascend to these heights and experience a feeling of rising above the landscape. The design makes use of elevation to enrich the visitor experience, providing opportunities for observation and reflection.

Material Engagement

Attention to materials is evident throughout the design. Glass has been used to maximize natural light within the spaces, helping to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Steel is chosen for its strength, which helps the structures withstand Iceland’s challenging weather. The selection of these materials enhances both appearance and function, reinforcing the connection between the built and natural environments.

Interactive Elements

Movable bridges play a significant role in fulfilling the design's intent. They facilitate movement between different geological features, encouraging exploration. Visitors walk across these bridges, experiencing a direct interaction with their surroundings. Each crossing emphasizes the bond between architecture and the landscape.

Thoughtful seating areas are integrated along the pathways, inviting visitors to pause and absorb their natural surroundings. This design detail encourages moments of contemplation and enjoyment of the captivating Icelandic landscape.

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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

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