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Tensegrity Structure Featuring Glass Facade and Natural Textiles Amidst Iceland’s Unique Landscape

Authors:
Arnon Van embden spanjaard, Casper liam Lie, Isaac Vaarzon morel, David Velu
Tensegrity Structure Featuring Glass Facade and Natural Textiles Amidst Iceland’s Unique Landscape

Project in-detail

Harnessing the principles of tensegrity, the design incorporates a glass facade and natural textiles to seamlessly connect with Iceland's rugged terrain, serving as an immersive observation space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project employs a tensegrity structure, allowing for a lightweight and resilient design that adapts to seismic activity.
02
A glass facade provides unobstructed views while aiding natural ventilation, enhancing the visitor experience.
03
Natural textiles are integrated into the design, softening the visual impact and contributing to an immersive environment.
04
The distinct bent A-frame design is specifically tailored to blend with Iceland’s rugged topography, enhancing the site’s geological features.
05
Elevated pathways guide visitors through the terrain, creating dynamic interactions with the surrounding landscape while prioritizing safety.
The Iceland Cavetower project represents a thoughtful and engaging architectural response to the unique landscape of Iceland, specifically designed to explore and embody the tensions of its geological features. This architecture serves multiple functions, including that of a visitor center, viewing platform, and educational space, effectively integrating a variety of uses into a singular cohesive form. With its elevated pathways and tiered structures, it invites visitors to explore the dramatic interplay between the built environment and the natural world.

At the heart of the Cavetower's design is the concept of tensegrity, where a system of tensioned cables and strut elements creates a lightweight and resilient structure. This innovative approach not only allows the design to rise gracefully above the ground but also reflects the constantly shifting tectonic forces present in Iceland’s geology. The careful construction of these elements represents a synergy between form and function, allowing the architecture to engage visually and spatially with its surroundings.

The project features pathways that meander through the site, guiding users on an exploratory journey that optimizes safety while providing opportunities for interaction with various geological formations. Each pathway is designed with careful consideration of human behavior, strategically placing features that encourage observation and reflection. The structure's vertical elements culminate in a series of viewing platforms that offer panoramic views, inviting users to appreciate and connect with the landscape in a manner that feels both immersive and respectful.

A key aspect of the Cavetower project is its materiality. The combination of concrete, steel, glass, and textile elements is selected not only for structural integrity but also for their ability to resonate with the environment. The choice of concrete provides a solid foundation, while steel offers the necessary flexibility and strength for the tensegrity system. Glass is used extensively in the design to create unobstructed views, fostering continuous interaction between the indoor spaces and the stunning outdoors. Textile components add a unique tactile quality, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functional experience.

The architectural design also emphasizes sustainability and environmental consciousness, aiming to minimize the impact on the surrounding natural landscape. By leveraging the natural topography, the structure is able to integrate harmoniously with the site, promoting a sense of continuity between the built environment and the wilderness of Iceland. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a learning opportunity about the geological and ecological characteristics of the region.

Unique design elements, such as the way pathways connect to various observatory points, reveal an intention to create a dialogue between the visitor and the environment. These spaces are not only functional but crafted to evoke curiosity, prompting visitors to engage with the natural phenomena that surround them. The project thus positions itself not only as a physical structure but also as an educational platform that enhances awareness of Iceland’s geological heritage.

In summary, the Iceland Cavetower project exemplifies a contemporary architectural approach that merges functionality with a deep respect for the environment. The innovative use of materials, the integration of tensegrity, and the thoughtful design of pathways all contribute to a space that invites exploration and curiosity. For those interested in delving deeper into this project, further examination of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide a richer understanding of its intricacies and conceptual foundations. Explore the project presentation to experience more of its carefully crafted details.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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