KOGAA unveils 'ice tower', a viewing platform in icelandic landscape

KOGAA has unveiled the ‘ice tower’, a vertical viewing platform that highlights the uniqueness of the icelandic landscape. apart from this construction, the architects sought to create a complex of different functions, with the importance of nature as the main protagonist. durable, affordable, and easily replaceable materials clothe the project, bearing the local climate’s extreme conditions in mind. all images courtesy of KOGAA

as a starting point, KOGAA designed a gathering refuge cladded from the outside with modular insulating sandwich panels and a steel grating system. the volume is opened-up by central glazing, and includes a cafeteria, an information spot with a library, washrooms, a small back-office, and a technical & storage space. then, a predefined path leads visitors either to the viewing tower or to the caves. the pathway is built with a modular system, designed as a combination of natural walkways and platform routes. complete with a metal frame and galvanized steel grating, the elevated platforms are weather-resilient, easy to implement, and replace.

once reaching the viewing tower, travelers are guided to four platforms through the staircase. three are located on the upper part, opening to different directions, while the other, sets into the fissure below, surrounded by rocks. the first and the highest platforms look towards the mountain, while the middle has a view to the rift and the hverfjall volcano.

the monolithic design of the tower contrasts with the organic volumes of nature, making itself perceivable as an artificial figure from a distance. at the same time, the metal grid enveloping the vertical structure, is recognized as a transparent object from afar. overall, the design solution considers both the experience from the visitor’s perspective and the land’s responsibility.

the architects chose the steel grating system for its durability and versatile application that cuts on transportation, making the construction more efficient and sustainable. this system is applied on the walking surface to reduce ice slippering, on the façade of the info center for greater durability, and vertically on the tower to partially filter the wind. the grid’s inner structure naturally increases the level of stability and stiffness of the complex, while the tangerine color makes it stand out, especially in the walking pathways, which need visibility in the snowy months.