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Viking-Inspired Tower Using Engineered Wood and Corrugated Steel

Authors:
Maziar Mohit, Iman Kimiaei
Viking-Inspired Tower Using Engineered Wood and Corrugated Steel

Project in-detail

Inspired by Viking boats, a thirty-meter tower constructed with engineered wood and corrugated steel serves as a navigational beacon and visitor hub in Iceland's dramatic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by ancient Viking boats, the tower's design reflects maritime history.
02
The pathway is made from durable hexagonal volcanic ash pavers, integrating with the landscape.
03
Statues at the entrance symbolize the connection between Europe and North America.
04
A high-efficiency Stirling engine generator powers the site using geothermal energy.
05
The structure includes accessibility features in the washroom layout and coffee shop.

The design features a tower inspired by Viking boats, positioned prominently in the landscape to guide visitors toward the nearby caves. Standing thirty meters tall, the structure serves both as an architectural element and as a navigational point, enhancing the visitor experience in the natural setting.

Design Concept

A pathway constructed from hexagonal volcanic ash pavers connects the key elements of the site—the caves, tower, and bridge. This material is durable and complements the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to move easily while integrating the built environment with nature.

Cultural Significance

At the entrance, statues representing North America and Europe add depth to the overall theme. A Bull symbolizes Europe, while a Canadian Moose stands for North America. These sculptures act as focal points, enriching visitors' engagement with the site and emphasizing the geographical relationship.

Functional Considerations

Washrooms are located on the ground floor, featuring a 160 cm walk-up and a mezzanine level to ensure accessibility. A coffee shop provides a practical area for visitors to relax and refresh. The arrangement prioritizes inclusivity, addressing the diverse needs of those who visit the site.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with a high-efficiency Stirling engine generator utilizing geothermal heat and ambient temperature for energy production. Water is sourced through boreholes and filtered for use, while wastewater management includes holding tanks for irrigation and septic systems for blackwater.

Viewing platforms include a sky deck and an observation deck, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The design intertwines form and function, creating spaces that invite exploration and connection to the unique geographical features of the area.

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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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