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Tapering Tower of Copper and Stone Offering Elevated Views

Author:
Maclean Toman
Tapering Tower of Copper and Stone Offering Elevated Views

Project in-detail

A slender tower of tapering form, clad in stone and copper, invites visitors to engage with panoramic views while navigating through a series of thoughtfully positioned apertures.
5 key facts about this project
01
Apertures guide visitors through the tower while framing views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Copper trim develops a natural patina, changing its appearance over time.
03
The tower features a unique tapering design that references local geological formations.
04
Interior light quality is enhanced by a series of beveled openings throughout the structure.
05
The central axis remains open from the first floor to the roof, maximizing airflow.

The Grjótagjá pinnacle is situated in a vibrant landscape that enhances its design and function. It serves as a tower for visitors, providing them with expansive views through strategically positioned openings. The overall concept centers around the ideas of apertures and tapering forms, resulting in a structure that both stands out and blends into the natural surroundings.

Design Concept

The idea behind the design is rooted in the exploration of verticality and tapering shapes. The slender tower features an array of facades, each equipped with multiple openings. These apertures guide visitors, helping them to navigate the space while also fostering a connection to the outdoors. The tapering characteristics are particularly evident in the design of the stairs and observation areas, which draw inspiration from natural geological forms found in the area.

Material Selection

Material choices are vital in shaping the project’s identity. Steel beams form the primary structure, allowing for a significant height while ensuring strength and durability. The exterior comprises stone, which offers resilience and aligns aesthetically with the environment. Inside, the use of treated wood adds warmth, enriching the atmosphere throughout the tower. Copper is also featured in the elevator housing, reflecting light in a way that highlights the design's details.

Interior Dynamics

The interior layout provides a unique arrangement, with the elevator placed at the center. A wooden staircase spirals around it, facilitating easy movement across different levels. A series of beveled apertures punctuate the walls, allowing natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming environment. The open central axis extends from the first floor to the roof, promoting a continuous flow of air and light.

Final Design Detail

As the day progresses, the copper trim around the windows begins to change. It develops a patina that stands out against the light filtering in through the apertures. This evolving interaction between the interior finishes and the exterior light enhances the experience of those inside the Grjótagjá pinnacle, fostering a stronger connection to both the structure and its 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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