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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
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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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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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