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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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