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Tension Cables and Metal Pillars Elevate Visitor Experience in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Cecilia Althoff, Laura Lemaitre
Tension Cables and Metal Pillars Elevate Visitor Experience in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Elevated 35 meters above the Mývatn landscape, a structure supported by tension cables and metal pillars creates a unique vantage point for visitors to engage with the region's geological features while providing a space for rest and observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated height allows for panoramic views of the Mývatn region.
02
Supported by a unique system of tension cables and compression posts.
03
Integrates a suspended platform for visitor observation and contemplation.
04
Features a café and amenities designed for geological education.
05
Lighting at the apex enhances safety and visibility at night.

The LeviTa Tower, located in the Mývatn region of Iceland, is designed to enhance the visitor experience by connecting people with the area's unique geological features. The design concept centers on the idea of weightlessness, allowing visitors to feel a sense of suspension as they explore. The structure is part of a pathway that guides guests from the parking lot up through the tower and ultimately to the nearby caves.

Structural Design

Standing at 35 meters tall, the tower is supported by two angular metal pillars. These pillars create a visually lightweight appearance while providing necessary stability. A concrete foundation anchors the structure, ensuring it remains secure against the elements. The use of tension cables and compression posts allows the tower to balance gracefully above a significant geological fault. This approach enhances the relationship between the visitors and the surrounding landscape, offering new perspectives on the region's geology.

Functional Elements

At the heart of the design is a suspended platform that serves as a resting area for visitors. This space encourages contemplation and observation of the scenic surroundings. Various amenities, such as a café, a space for geologists, storage, and toilet facilities, are integrated into the design. The thoughtful layout ensures comfort and convenience, allowing guests to engage fully with the space and the environment.

Lighting and Safety

Illumination is included at the top of the tower, which enhances safety for those visiting after dark. It serves a practical purpose by improving visibility and guiding hikers. Additionally, this lighting marks the territory around the fault, making it easier for visitors to appreciate the geological features present in the area.

Geographical Context

The LeviTa Tower functions as an observation point within the rich geological landscape of the Mývatn region. Visitors can see notable sites such as the Leirhnjukur craters, the Hverir geothermal area, and the Dimmuborgir lava field from this vantage point. The design emphasizes this connection to the region, aiming to deepen understanding of the geological history that defines the Mývatn area.

The tower integrates into the natural landscape, where the clean lines of metal and concrete contrast with the rugged terrain. This combination captures the spirit of the environment, creating a place for visitors to experience the beauty and complexity of the 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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