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Weathered Steel Above Subterranean Landscapes in Iceland

Author:
Jason Norfleet
Weathered Steel Above Subterranean Landscapes in Iceland

Project in-detail

Elevated pathways of weathered steel lead visitors from sweeping views into the subterranean depths of Karlagjá, creating a unique visitor center that enhances engagement with Iceland's diverse landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Weathered steel wraps the central core, enhancing durability while blending with the rocky landscape.
02
The stair tower features a ceramic screen, allowing filtered light into interior spaces.
03
Elevated pathways provide panoramic views and connect visitors to both land and subterranean elements.
04
The design incorporates a phased construction approach for financial viability and adaptability.
05
The center emphasizes the preservation of natural features, integrating caves and ravines into the visitor experience.

Rhythm: Iceland Cave Tower is located in Iceland, serving as a visitor center that connects people with the stunning natural landscape. The design invites visitors on a journey, blending architecture with the environment. By emphasizing both the elevated and underground experiences, the structure encourages exploration and appreciation of its surroundings.

Central Structure

The design features a central core made of weathered steel, which offers durability and an appearance that fits the rugged landscape. Visitors walk along catwalks that wrap around this core, reaching an upper balcony that presents wide views of the area. Standing at this height allows individuals to reflect and take in the beauty of the landscape below.



Subterranean Experience

Descending from the elevated paths leads visitors to the subterranean area within Karlagjá. This transition from the upper levels to below ground adds depth to the experience, motivating guests to explore various aspects of the natural terrain. The project acknowledges the importance of the nearby caves and ravines, integrating them as key features of the overall design.



Gathering Spaces

An open-air outpost acts as a gathering area for hikers and visitors. Accessible through three hatches along the main path, this space provides shelter while keeping a strong connection to the outdoors. The large roof structure protects visitors from the weather, creating a communal area where people can come together.



Functional Core

A central service core is essential for the building's operations, housing systems such as geothermal power and water storage. This insulated space ensures that the facility functions efficiently. The approach to construction allows for the core and lower pathways to be completed first, enabling early use and financial support for the project.



In the stair tower, a ceramic screen filters light, creating a pleasant atmosphere inside. This feature enhances the connection between the indoor spaces and the natural surroundings. Natural light plays a key role in shaping the visitor experience, highlighting the relationship between architecture and nature.

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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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