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Basalt Formations Enhancing Cinematic Experience Amid Translucent Surfaces

Authors:
Hwang Yunjeong, Lee Jiho
Basalt Formations Enhancing Cinematic Experience Amid Translucent Surfaces
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Constructed from basalt and polycarbonate, the pavilion seamlessly integrates with Iceland's rugged landscape while providing an engaging space for cinematic exhibitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflects regional geology through the use of basalt materials.
02
Features a sloped interior that mimics Iceland’s varied terrain.
03
Utilizes polycarbonate panels to create transparency and light interaction.
04
Incorporates layers that symbolize Icelandic cultural narratives.
05
Designed to engage visitors with both film and the surrounding landscape.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is a cultural space designed to showcase cinema while honoring the unique environment of Iceland. Situated amidst dramatic landscapes, the pavilion invites visitors to experience storytelling through film and the surrounding natural beauty. Its overall concept reflects a deep connection to the land, drawing inspiration from the elemental forces of fire and ice that define Iceland's geography.

Architectural Response to Landscape
-
The form captures the solidity of basalt, a material iconic to Iceland’s landscape. This choice establishes a strong relationship between the building and its site. The use of basalt allows the pavilion to emerge from the ground, making it feel like a natural extension of the landscape. The architecture reflects the rugged beauty of the environment and serves as a reminder of the cultural narratives present in Icelandic history.

Spatial Experience and Organization
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Inside the pavilion, a gentle slope guides visitors upward, creating a progression that mirrors Iceland's varied terrain. This journey fosters a sense of exploration, inviting occupants to engage with the space. Movement through the pavilion becomes an experience in itself, encouraging reflection on the stories that the architecture is meant to tell. Each step leads deeper into an understanding of the cultural and historical context of the site.

Material Interaction
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Transparent polycarbonate panels contrast with the heavy basalt, introducing natural light into the interior. Light filters through these panels, enhancing the atmosphere within the pavilion. This choice allows for interaction between the inside and outside, connecting visitors to the landscape while they explore the space. The design creates opportunities for observation and engagement, emphasizing the relationship between the building and its surroundings.

Interior Details
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Layers in the design symbolize the complex history of Iceland, representing narratives shaped by time and culture. Inside, the layout intricately connects different spaces, revealing the rich cultural context of the land. The simplicity of the exterior hides a more complex interior, where every detail serves to reflect the environment and the stories held within. The pavilion stands not just as a building, but as a tribute to Iceland's natural and cultural heritage.

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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

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