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Transparent Cubes Framing Nature's Panorama with Steel and Glass

Authors:
Fatou Niang, Giorgia Venditti, Maria Teresa Galli
Transparent Cubes Framing Nature's Panorama with Steel and Glass
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Floating glass cubes supported by a robust steel frame create an elevated platform for panoramic views, offering visitors a unique observation experience immersed in the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating observation cabins extend outward, enhancing the sense of immersion with nature.
02
The tower incorporates a central elevator for easy access between the observation floors.
03
LED lighting features illuminate the structure, enhancing visibility during nighttime.
04
The design promotes a carefully planned visitor route for optimal landscape engagement.
05
Steel and glass materials create a modern aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity.

The Hrafn Tower is located near the Grjotàgjà cave and the Euro-Asian continental fault. This structure connects with the surrounding natural landscape while serving an important function as an observation platform. The design concept revolves around transparency and accessibility, making it a space for visitors to engage with the expansive views that the location offers.

Design Concept

The tower is characterized by its light and airy appearance. It consists of a series of glass cubes framed by steel, allowing an open visual connection to the environment. The overall design includes five levels, with the ground and first floors dedicated to services. The upper three levels are specifically for observation, giving visitors the chance to experience the area from different perspectives.

Spatial Arrangement

Each of the observation floors features outward-projecting cabins. These cabins create a sensation of floating over the landscape, enhancing the ability for visitors to immerse themselves in their surroundings. An external staircase and a central elevator allow for easy movement throughout the structure, encouraging exploration on every level.

Materiality

The choice of materials plays a significant role in both the appearance and function of the tower. Steel makes up the main structural framework, providing stability and strength. Reinforced cement concrete is used for the core structure, while glass dominates the facade. This use of glass not only lets in natural light but also provides uninterrupted views, bridging the indoor and outdoor experiences.

Lighting Integration

Lighting is carefully integrated into the design to enhance the visitor experience. At the top of the tower, a circular LED feature connects the building to the night sky. LED strips around the observation cabins illuminate them, emphasizing the lightness of the glass cubes as evening falls.

The thoughtful arrangement of spaces, combined with strategic material selections, ensures that the Hrafn Tower serves as both a landmark and a place for contemplation. Visitors can enjoy the scenery while reflecting on their connection to the landscape around them.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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