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Tectonic Towers Made From Lava Stone Integrating Nature and Culture

Authors:
Hector Parga, Ethan Dingwell
Tectonic Towers Made From Lava Stone Integrating Nature and Culture

Project in-detail

Bifurcated towers crafted from lava stone rise from a robust base, integrating natural flora and cultural references while providing a functional space for observation and engagement with the surrounding cave system.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bifurcated towers symbolize tectonic plate division in Iceland.
02
Constructed with locally sourced lava stone for site-specific relevance.
03
Design allows native flora to naturally overgrow the base structure.
04
Base shape references Iceland's maritime history and traditional sea vessels.
05
Functional layout enhances visitor accessibility and encourages exploration.

The Iceland Cave Tower stands out in the unique geological landscape of Iceland. It is designed not just to mark an important place for the surrounding cave system, but also to reflect the natural characteristics of the site. The building consists of two separate towers, which symbolize the division of tectonic plates. This thoughtful design integrates functionality with a connection to the environment.

Geological Context

The two tower forms interact with each other, representing the tectonic shifts typical of the area. This approach highlights a sense of movement, encouraging visitors to connect with the geological story of the site. A solid stone base supports the towers, ensuring stability while providing a foundation for the various functions housed within.



Materiality and Integration

Lava stone forms the base, creating a direct link to the local geography. This choice allows the base to harmonize with the surrounding flora, which can grow over it, enhancing the structure's connection to nature. This design strategy respects the environment and emphasizes sustainability as a core principle.



Cultural Significance

The base’s shape also pays tribute to Iceland's maritime heritage, reflecting the boats once used by the island's early inhabitants. This cultural connection deepens the overall meaning of the structure, linking modern architecture to the region's history while adding a sense of identity.



Functional Design

The layout of the spaces inside the Iceland Cave Tower is carefully considered to support movement and accessibility. Each area is arranged to ensure that visitors can navigate through the building efficiently. This focus on organization improves the experience for those exploring the tower, allowing them to appreciate its distinct features.



The design concludes with a visual connection between the natural and constructed worlds. The towers rise above the landscape, capturing the resilience of both nature and architecture, while inviting visitors to engage with the environment.

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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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