The tower and accompanying visitors centre was designed to mitigate the negative effects of tourism in the area. The site is dominated by a crevasse between two tectonic plates. The scheme acts as a bridge between tectonic plates with the visitors centre on one side of the crevasse and the tower on the other.
The crevasse running one way and the scheme running perpendicular create a crossroads of sorts; a place steeped in mysticism in traditional Iceland folklore where a passerby might encounter trolls or elves.
The crevasse running one way and the scheme running perpendicular create a crossroads of sorts; a place steeped in mysticism in traditional Iceland folklore where a passerby might encounter trolls or elves.
the Huldufólk Tower
The Huldufólk Tower is the main attraction for visitors to explore and, from its peak, to witness Iceland’s unique landscape. The tower also offers views along the crevasse and to the caves below. The tower is shaped by its alignment with the cave entrances, with the open side facing the Eurasian tectonic plate and the cafe.
Section A
Section B
Floor plans
View across the fault line to the tower on the other side
STRUCTURE, DETAILING & ENVIRONMENTAL
Cladding // Wooden Finish, Dark vs Light, Inside vs Outside
Structure // Steel framework, Semi-permanent, Quick Assembly
Environmental // Solar Panels, Water Collection, Ground Source Heat Pump
detail cut through
The Huldufólk Cafe
The Huldufólk Cafe acts as the main cross roads for the visitors, having a choice of waiting at the cross roads, going right to the roof to observe the surroundings or the cafe or going left to the Women's Cave. All these areas frame the beautiful scenery the building is situated in, making the experience about the area as much as the structure.
cafe & Tower Floor plan
Section A
Section B
Section C
Section D
Section E
Section F
View of the Office
The Crossroad Entrance
The Roof Terrace at Night
The Office at Night
"interior visuals"
Exterior visuals