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Volcanic Stone Facade and Black Cement Shape in a Community Tower Designed for Scenic Views

Authors:
Romain Petrot, Carla Beaujard
Volcanic Stone Facade and Black Cement Shape in a Community Tower Designed for Scenic Views

Project in-detail

With a striking angular form crafted from volcanic stone and black cement, the tower invites visitors to immerse themselves in Iceland's breathtaking landscapes while providing a communal space for gathering and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's design incorporates locally sourced volcanic stone, reinforcing its connection to the surrounding landscape.
02
Black cement is used to create a cohesive aesthetic that mirrors Iceland's natural features.
03
The structure features a meticulously crafted angular form that provides enhanced views of the panoramic scenery.
04
Community gathering spaces are integrated within the design, promoting social interaction among visitors.
05
Sustainable materials and construction methods have been prioritized to minimize environmental impact.
The Iceland Cave Tower, situated within the complex and diverse landscapes of Iceland, epitomizes a well-conceived architectural project that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. It stands as both a structure and a conceptual exploration of the relationship between the built environment and the earth. The design reflects a commitment to understanding and integrating with the local geography, particularly the volcanic and rugged topography that characterizes the region.

This project represents an invitation for visitors to engage with the Icelandic landscape from a unique vantage point. The tower’s primary function is to serve as an observational and communal space, encouraging people to explore the natural beauty that surrounds it. Its architectural design creates a platform for gathering, reflection, and interaction with both the environment and other visitors. The integration of this function with its design ensures that the tower is not just a solitary structure; rather, it fosters a sense of community and connection.

Key elements of the Iceland Cave Tower’s design include its distinctive angular form, which mimics the sharp lines of Iceland’s natural terrain. This shape not only enhances the visual experience but also serves practical purposes, guiding visitors’ attention upward toward the expansive sky and inviting them to appreciate the vast Icelandic landscape. The internal layout is carefully organized to facilitate movement and flow throughout the structure. The implementation of a central staircase encourages visitors to ascend and engage with the tower's various levels, each offering expansive views of the surrounding scenery.

The materiality of the project is particularly noteworthy. It utilizes locally sourced materials such as black cement, limestone flour, black sand, and volcanic black stone, reinforcing the building's connection to its geological context. These materials provide durability while echoing the aesthetics of the landscape, creating a cohesive visual narrative. The use of wood modules for walking paths within the tower introduces a warm contrast to the starkness of the black exterior, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages exploration.

In terms of design approach, the Iceland Cave Tower employs a unique strategy that emphasizes sustainability and environmental awareness. By utilizing local materials and designing a structure that complements the natural landscape, the project minimizes its ecological footprint. The choice to adopt a monochromatic color palette allows the tower to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, further highlighting the intimate connection between architecture and nature.

The unique architectural ideas behind the Iceland Cave Tower can also be observed in how its design accommodates varying visitor experiences. The tower is effectively a multi-layered structure, where different levels and spaces cater to a range of activities from quiet contemplation to group interaction. This adaptability enhances the project's functionality, ensuring it can serve diverse needs over time.

Overall, the Iceland Cave Tower is a compelling architectural example that illustrates the potential for design to enhance human interaction with the natural world. By focusing on local materials, thoughtful spatial organization, and a profound respect for the surrounding environment, this project stands as a testament to the importance of contextual architecture. It offers a fresh take on how architecture can engage with and elevate our experience of landscape. Readers interested in a deeper understanding of this project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that illustrate the thought processes and intentions behind this intriguing addition to the Icelandic landscape.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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