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Basalt-Inspired Structure With Double-Glazing And Green Roof For Cinematic Experience

Authors:
Carlos Menendez, RYAN HECK, Edmund Levine, Steve Cowles
Basalt-Inspired Structure With Double-Glazing And Green Roof For Cinematic Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing basalt-inspired forms and a green roof, this pavilion integrates double-glazing and acoustic design elements to create a culturally focused space for showcasing Icelandic cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof to enhance insulation and support local biodiversity.
02
Double-glazed glass panels optimize natural light while ensuring energy efficiency.
03
The theater features advanced acoustic design tailored to the acoustics of the surrounding landscape.
04
Basalt-inspired sloping roofs echo the natural topography of Iceland’s volcanic terrain.
05
The versatile exhibition space includes areas dedicated to the history of Icelandic cinema.
The Iceland Movie Pavilion is an architectural project situated off Route 860 near Griðtjágá Cave, designed to serve as a cultural hub for Icelandic cinema. The pavilion is conceived as a venue that facilitates film screenings while also providing an exhibition space for the history and evolution of Icelandic film. The design reflects a strong connection to the surrounding landscape, utilizing elements that resonate with the natural topography and dramatic visual appeal of Iceland’s volcanic scenery.

The pavilion encompasses several key functional areas, including a theater space, an exhibition gallery, and a café/bar area. Each section is carefully designed to enhance user experience. The theater is equipped with advanced acoustic features and seating arrangements that prioritize viewer comfort and engagement with the cinematic presentation. The gallery serves as a versatile space, accommodating exhibits and events that celebrate Iceland’s cinematic culture, thereby fostering a sense of community and appreciation among visitors. The café/bar area is designed to invite casual social interaction while providing refreshments, complementing the overall experience of the venue.

The building’s unique design approach is evident in its integration with the environment. The sloping roofs mimic the profile of nearby volcanic formations, creating a sense of visual continuity between the structure and the landscape. The pavilion utilizes poured-in-place concrete as the primary construction material, ensuring durability and resilience against Iceland's harsh weather conditions. Large, strategically placed double-glazed glass panels provide natural light within the interior while offering panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, establishing a seamless connection between inside and outside.

An essential aspect of the design is the green roof, which promotes ecological sustainability by enhancing insulation and supporting biodiversity. The incorporation of acoustic foam in the theater contributes to sound quality, while the layout of spaces is optimized for functionality and aesthetic coherence. The pavilion operates as both an architectural statement and a communal space, reflecting the cultural identity of Iceland through film and storytelling.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural ideas that underpin the Iceland Movie Pavilion, it is advisable to explore elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs. These documents will provide clarity on the design intent and spatial organization within the project.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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