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Blending Light and Earth in a Ground Material Pavilion

Author:
Markus Wikar
Blending Light and Earth in a Ground Material Pavilion

Project in-detail

Emerging from the landscape, the pavilion utilizes ground materials to create a unique connection with its surroundings, harnessing natural light to enhance the cinematic experience within.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion's form resembles a natural mound, enhancing its integration with the environment.
02
Interior surfaces reflect varying light levels, creating a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day.
03
Local ground materials prompt a strong connection to the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
04
The design features a panoramic view, encouraging engagement with the scenic outdoors.
05
Illumination at night gives the pavilion a soft glow, resembling underground elements.

The Huldufólk movie pavilion is located in the unique landscape of Iceland. Designed to blend into its surroundings, the pavilion serves as a venue for cinema while maintaining a close relationship with nature. The building emerges from a mound in the landscape, creating a thoughtful balance between architecture and the environment.

Design Integration

The structure features a southern façade and an opening to the north, allowing for natural light while most of the building remains hidden by ground materials and vegetation. This approach emphasizes a deep respect for the local ecology and enhances the overall experience of the site.

Spatial Experience

Inside the pavilion, simple geometric shapes create expansive views of the landscape. This design encourages visitors to connect with the natural surroundings, making the cinematic experience more engaging. The space draws attention to the beauty of the outdoors, providing a constant reminder of the stunning Icelandic scenery.

Light and Atmosphere

Light plays a vital role in the design of the pavilion. Inspired by the principles of cinema, the building captures daylight and brings it into the interior. Surfaces inside reflect light differently, creating varied atmospheres throughout the day and across seasons. At night, the pavilion can be illuminated to emit a soft glow that enhances its presence against the dark landscape.

Materiality

The design incorporates local ground materials and vegetation, reinforcing the connection to the site. Concrete walls provide the necessary support for the structure while complementing the overall look of the building.

The experience of visiting the pavilion changes with the time of day. When illuminated at night, it creates a calming light that contrasts with the dark surroundings, drawing attention to its unique form against the Icelandic terrain.

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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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