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Tuff and Peat Observation Platform Celebrating Mývatn's Geological Heritage

Authors:
Bakhtiyor Makhsumov, Abdurrahman Akdemir
Tuff and Peat Observation Platform Celebrating Mývatn's Geological Heritage

Project in-detail

Crafted from local tuff and peat, the observation platform merges with Mývatn's volcanic landscape to offer visitors panoramic views while enhancing understanding of the region's geological significance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted primarily from locally sourced tuff, connecting the structure to its geological context.
02
Utilizes peat as a sustainable material, enhancing both aesthetics and environmental performance.
03
Features unobstructed 360-degree views of Mývatn's diverse landscape and geological formations.
04
Incorporates holographic exhibitions to educate visitors on the area's geological history.
05
Designed to minimize interference with the surrounding natural terrain and flora.

The observation platform in the Mývatn area is situated in a unique volcanic landscape. It provides visitors with expansive views of notable geological formations, such as Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir, and the Mývatn reservoir. The design concept focuses on enhancing the visitor experience while creating a strong connection between the natural setting and the built environment.

Design Concept

The main goal is to create a platform that allows a full 360-degree view, facilitating connections among various landmarks. Visitors are immersed in the surroundings, encouraging them to explore and appreciate the landscape. As people enter, they transition from dimly lit spaces to brighter observation areas, mimicking the natural changes in light throughout the day.

Materials and Sustainability

The design uses specific materials that reflect both sustainability and the local context. Tuff, a volcanic rock, plays a central role in the structure, connecting it to the geological history of the region. Peat, recognized as a traditional Icelandic material, enhances the visual quality of the project while providing environmental benefits. The use of energy-efficient wood aligns with low-emission standards, reinforcing the overall aim for sustainability.

Spatial Features

The observation platform integrates into the landscape, ensuring that views remain unobstructed. The structure employs a combination of peat coverage and wooden elements, which balances ecological integrity with functional performance. Inside, holographic exhibitions serve to engage visitors, offering educational insights into the geological significance and history of the area.

Architectural Expression

The design expresses itself through simple geometric forms that reflect the surrounding landscape. The principles of scaling are applied, which helps to create harmony between the structure and its environment. This careful approach minimizes disruption to the natural setting and allows the building to resonate with the unique geological features of Mývatn.

The observation platform presents itself as an inviting structure, highlighting its elegant form and thoughtful placement, enabling visitors to appreciate the beauty and history of the Mývatn 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

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