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Weathering Steel and Angular Forms Elevate a Crater's Viewing Experience

Author:
Stephen Mccann
Weathering Steel and Angular Forms Elevate a Crater's Viewing Experience

Project in-detail

Weathering steel blades emerge from the volcanic landscape at Hverfjall, creating immersive viewpoints that invite visitors to engage with both the geological history and the expansive vistas of the crater.
5 key facts about this project
01
The lookout point incorporates weathering steel blades that blend seamlessly with the volcanic landscape.
02
Spatial configurations create distinct public and private areas to enhance visitor experience.
03
Angular forms are designed to guide the viewer’s line of sight toward expansive crater vistas.
04
Elements are partially buried, forming a physical connection to the geological history of Hverfjall.
05
Transparent glass features allow unobstructed views while providing shelter from the elements.
The project at Hverfjall represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape, manifesting as a lookout point that engages visitors with the volcanic terrain’s geological narrative. The design seeks to create a symbiotic relationship between the built form and its natural setting, reflecting respect for the environment while providing functional spaces for exploration and contemplation. This architectural endeavor serves as both an observation platform and a means to understand the historical significance of the area, enriching the user experience through its carefully considered elements.

Functionally, the lookout point provides visitors with a vantage point from which to admire not only the beauty of the Hverfjall crater but also the surrounding landscapes. The architecture is envisioned to cater to both communal gatherings and solitary experiences, ensuring that individuals can connect with the site at their own pace. The thoughtful distribution of spaces facilitates social interaction while also creating nooks for personal reflection, embodying a duality that enhances user experience.

Central to the design are several key components that define the architectural language of the project. The mound serves as the foundational element, emerging organically from the crater’s edge and accentuating the natural contours of the landscape. This component invites visitors to engage with the topography, blurring the lines between architecture and earth. The shard, characterized by its angular form, creates a contrast with the smooth, surrounding landscape. This design choice effectively guides visitors toward the horizon, prompting them to appreciate the expansive lake vistas.

Another important aspect of the project is the rotational elements that delineate public from private spaces. The spatial configuration not only organizes the lookout point but also fosters a dynamic interplay among users, encouraging both collaboration and solitude. By carefully considering how spaces intersect, the architecture promotes meaningful interactions, enhancing visitors' connections to each other and the landscape.

The design also thoughtfully incorporates the bury component, where certain elements are intentionally phased into the earth, establishing an aesthetic dialogue with the geological features that characterize Hverfjall. This approach honors the natural processes that formed the site, creating a narrative of continuity and connection to the land.

Materiality plays a significant role in how the project interacts with its environment. Corten steel is employed for its weathering properties, allowing the structure to harmonize with the natural hues of the landscape while also providing a structural integrity that complements the design's geometric forms. Concrete is another essential material, offering durability and flexibility in shaping the architectural elements. The purposeful use of glass introduces transparency, enabling views that frame the landscape while providing shelter from harsh weather conditions.

What sets this architecture apart is its unique design approach, which thoughtfully merges the built environment with the geological context. The interplay of forms, materials, and spatial dynamics fosters an experience that is both reflective and engaging. Moreover, the project embodies a contemporary architectural philosophy that prioritizes sustainability and harmony with nature, making it relevant in today’s architectural discourse.

As you explore this project further, consider delving into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate its conceptual underpinnings and practical applications. The uniqueness of this architectural work lies not only in its innovative design but also in the rich narrative it unfolds about Hverfjall's landscape, inviting deeper reflection and engagement from all who visit.
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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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