Iceland Cave Tower contest | Architecture Competitions

Grjótagjá Caves originate from the geological phenomenon of tectonic plates separation. The area nearby is extremely volcanic, characterized by high elevation of dark basaltic lava, rootless vents and geysers visible from afar. Everything around the site is about geology. Therefore, we decided to draw inspiration from Icelandic gemstones.

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The basic idea of the concept comes from the Icelandic landscape and therefore from everything that is part of it. Peat houses, lighthouse camouflage in the landscape were the starting points for this project. The name comes from the union of turf and lighthouse, elements from which we took inspiration. The shape resembles that of a lighthouse, while the turf, positioned at the rear serves as an aesthetic protection.

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A unique observation tower inspired by the Old Icelandic culture. The shape, dynamically and elegantly stretching upwards, recalls the traditional Viking longships. The Drakkar Tower represents a warm and safe resting place and a starting point for an allround experience in the magic landscape of Northern Iceland.

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As suggested by its name, which is Icelandic for shelter, Skjól offers a peculiar panoramic experience of Grjótagjá’s caves surroundings. Iconic orange emergency shelters which can already be found around Iceland literally grow into a vertical six floors viewing tower which culminates in a panoramic terrace at the top. Tourists can take a comfortable break both at the visitor centre at the bottom or on their way up to the top. The visitors can climb the tower using the outdoor stairs or the panoramic elevator.

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In an evocative and natural context such as that of Grjótagjá, the protection of the area and the management of tourism is very important, but even more is the enhancement of the place. Rifa is an observation tower, and gives the name to the entire complex built in this area. It aims to enhance the natural caves and the fault, integrating itself in a suggestive and unobtrusive context. Rifa in fact means "fissure" and its structure and shape follows this logic. The fault that divides the two continents was the main inspiration for the tower and the experiential paths built around it. The entire complex wants to guide the visitor within its fundamental elements, to create an unforgettable experience.

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The beacon is a lighthouse, a bright guide for hikers, a place of refreshment and relax.

The project performs, in addition to the functions of observation tower and infopoint, that of restaurant and small museum, through the preparation of typical dishes of local cuisine and sensory paths, aimed at the dissemination of the culture and traditions of the place.

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Designed as an “in situ” work, the tower modifies the landscape and allows itself to be modified by it, a place within the place, which creates a solid body in the environment thanks to the carvings and the openings, elements that allow internal and external visits, giving a sense of precarious but complex architecture at the same time.

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In the immediate purlieus of the Grjotàgjà cave and the Euro-Asian continental fault we can find an elegant figure composed of light glass cubes set in steel. The dynamism of the shape and the diversity of the materials used integrate perfectly with the surrounding landscape, which is also variable and similar at the same time.

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Tourism in Iceland is booming but the territory lacks of infrastructures. From today, there will be one more reason to visit Iceland and in particular Grjotagja cave.

Halli Förum is not just a tower, but a new experience for tourists. It has a panoramic deck that allows you to take better quality photos of the canyon, away from the crowd of tourists. The terrace also allows you to look directly inside the canyon.

The project includes a cable car which starts from the station and allows you to have a breathtaking experience of the territory.

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Haekkun tower represents the relationship between humans and the Icelandic natural environment. It is not only a isolated path but the tower has also a familiar and warm atmosphere, thanks to the service center at the base of the structure that leans over the fault.

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Undir is the icelandic word for “under”. With this inspiration the visitors can take advantage of the famous local thermal waters in an exclusive and safe environment. You cannot say you visited the site if you don’t enjoy the breathtaking view on the top of Undir tower, build in glass to give you a sight on the panorama on each part of the stairs. Take a walk into the wild surroundings of the tower for a authentic raw experience. The paths will make it easy even for families and people with handicaps.

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The Celtic legend tells that the charmer Morgan le Fay (Fata Morgana) dabbled in tricking and disorientating explorers, ma­king appear in front of them fantastic pla­ces and enchanted lands. From this story derives the name of a rather fascinating Iceland-wide optical phenomenon: the Fata Morgana mirage effect.

The observation tower MORGANA, loca­ted near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, on the Euroasian Plate, with its 18 meters high is a reference spot for the many travelers who reach the site to go visit the Grjótag­já Caves.

The tower was designed to be almost a mirage to the eyes of those who visit the site. It consists of 5 geometrical vo­lumes, 3 in glass and 2 in sintered stone overlapped and decentralised with each other. The presence of glass volumes ma­kes the sintered stone elements appear as suspended.

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