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Basalt Columns and Natural Light in a Community-Centric Pavilion

Author:
Erin Sanchez
Basalt Columns and Natural Light in a Community-Centric Pavilion

Project in-detail

Constructed from basalt columns and designed to harness natural light, the pavilion creates a unique space for community engagement and film appreciation in the rugged Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced basalt columns.
02
Features a zig-zag structural arrangement for dynamic form.
03
Design integrates topographical curves to enhance spatial flow.
04
Includes large windows to maximize natural light within.
05
Focus on community interaction around film appreciation activities.

The Stone Fortress in Iceland serves as a cinematic pavilion designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while encouraging community involvement around film. Inspired by the area’s geological characteristics, the design aims to evoke the feeling of walking through a cave, creating an immersive environment for visitors that connects with nature.

Design Concept and Structural Form

The pavilion uses basalt stone as its main material, a choice that reflects the unique geological identity of Iceland. This sturdy material contributes to the building’s stability while establishing a direct link to the landscape. The arrangement of basalt columns in a zig-zag layout creates an interesting shape that emphasizes height, giving the structure a strong presence in the natural surroundings.



Material Selection and Textural Contrast

Interior wood cladding complements the external basalt, adding a contrasting texture to the overall design. The combination of the rough stone and the smooth wood enhances the user experience as visitors interact with the space. This mix of materials not only provides visual interest but also engages people on a sensory level, making the environment more inviting.



Spatial Configuration and Natural Light

Large windows are strategically placed at the entrance, allowing natural light to fill the interior. This design choice enhances the atmosphere within the pavilion and establishes a connection to the outdoors. The arrangement of gathering areas, dining spaces, and cinema sections encourages social interaction and emphasizes the pavilion's role as a community hub.



Architectural Integration with Landscape

The overall form of the building reflects careful thought about the natural terrain. Curves derived from topographical study help the structure fit well into its environment. The varying heights of the columns create shifting light and shadow, highlighting the complexities found in nature. Attention to these details enhances the experience for visitors, making the space feel both connected to its surroundings and purposefully designed.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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