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

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Competition organisers

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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