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Caldera-Inspired Space with Lava Rock and Cave-Like Entrance for Cinematic Experience

Author:
Junichi Nakajo
Caldera-Inspired Space with Lava Rock and Cave-Like Entrance for Cinematic Experience

Project in-detail

A caldera-inspired structure blends lava rock and a cave-like entrance, creating an immersive environment that enhances the cinematic experience in the heart of Iceland's unique landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Caldera-inspired design enhances the connection to Iceland's geography.
02
Lava rock integrates local geological features into the structure.
03
Cave-like entrance offers an immersive visitor experience.
04
Rooftop terrace reflects changing weather and sky.
05
Dual cinema spaces accommodate diverse film presentations.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is located in the captivating landscapes of Iceland and serves as a cultural space for celebrating cinema. The design captures the essence of the surrounding environment, reflecting the distinct features of Iceland’s wilderness. By blending architectural form with geographic characteristics, the pavilion offers an experience that connects film to the dramatic landscape of Iceland.

Design Concept
The building’s form takes inspiration from a caldera and shapes both its structure and the arrangement of spaces inside. The logarithmic spiral serves as a guiding principle, linking the building with its natural surroundings. This design reflects the dynamic nature of the landscape, appearing to rise from the earth and inviting visitors to embark on a journey within its cinematic offerings.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the pavilion features different cinema spaces that accommodate various viewing experiences. A formal indoor cinema supports high-quality screenings, while an outdoor plaza is designed for more casual film presentations. This mix of spaces encourages community use and interaction with the surrounding nature. The layout promotes a natural flow, allowing visitors to navigate through the building and engage with its multiple offerings.

Material Application
The design incorporates significant geological elements from Iceland, like lava rock and caves, which play an important role in the region's identity. Lava rock is used for its local relevance, particularly as part of plastering solutions that resonate with the landscape. Additionally, excavated soil helps manage humidity inside the building. These material choices reinforce the connection between the built environment and the native topography, contributing to the overall experience of the pavilion.

The upper terrace of the Iceland Movie Pavilion mirrors the ever-changing sky above. This feature offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can engage with both the cinematic experiences inside and the natural beauty outside, making the pavilion a space that celebrates film and the environment simultaneously.

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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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