The split
Iceland Cave Tower
Year: 2020 | Location: Northern Iceland | Client: Landeigendur Voga ehf.
Dividing character of the geological scar splitting the icelandic landscape became our main conceptual inspiration. The proposal aspires to provide visitors exploring the caves with complementary and unique experiences at multiple scales - from a wide perspective offered by a viewing platform down to being suspended right above the slit.
While reconnecting the two tectonic plates the volume creates a physical separation between Karlagjá and Kvennagjá cave offering both indoor and outdoor sheltered areas. Seducing visitors from afar with two distinctive beams of light and austere appearance only waiting to surprise them with a panoramic view in a cosy cafe suspended above the landscape.
Designed predominantly from natural materials - structural CLT and prefabricated timber elements - we not only minimise the carbon footprint of our proposal but also make it easy to transport it to this remote location. Finished with charred timber and glass - it marks it presence while blending with the surrounding volcanic landscape.
