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Cave-Inspired Pavilion Featuring Natural Wood and Abundant Light

Authors:
Colin Heinz, Tim Mehr
Cave-Inspired Pavilion Featuring Natural Wood and Abundant Light

Project in-detail

Inspired by cave forms and constructed with natural wood, the pavilion merges cultural heritage with modern design, serving as a venue for exploring Iceland's film history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Viking tent structures to emphasize a connection with nature.
02
Utilizes large floor-to-ceiling windows for enhanced natural light.
03
Incorporates cave-like forms in the interior layout for fluid movement.
04
Features a cinema for showcasing Iceland's film heritage.
05
Constructed primarily from wood to align with sustainable practices.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is located in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. It draws on the country’s rich culture and history, reflecting the traditional tent structures used by the Vikings. This design emphasizes a close relationship with nature and serves a dual purpose of being a cultural landmark and an engaging space for visitors to explore Iceland’s cinematic past.

Design Concept

The pavilion’s shape resembles a tent, which connects it visually and contextually to its surroundings. This form helps it stand out in the landscape, making it easily identifiable. The design encourages visitors to approach and experience the space, positioning the building as a significant part of the local area.



Interior and Light

Large windows cover much of the facade, allowing natural light to enter the building. This connection between the inside and outside spaces creates a warm atmosphere that invites exploration. The beautiful landscape of Iceland becomes a living backdrop for visitors inside the pavilion, enhancing their experience.



Cultural Engagement

The ground floor functions as a key area that connects historical context to modern experiences. The layout includes forms inspired by caves, linking to ancient ways of living. A cinema on this level offers visitors a chance to learn about Iceland’s film history, creating a space for cultural engagement that complements the overall purpose of the pavilion.



Materiality and Sustainability

The design focuses on sustainable practices, notably using wood as the primary building material. This choice is consistent with ecological construction standards aimed at lowering environmental impact. While the specific details of the materials may not be fully outlined, the intention is clear: to create a building that fits well within its natural surroundings.



The pavilion ultimately demonstrates a thoughtful approach to architecture. It combines light, form, and practical use, all while respecting the cultural and environmental aspects of Iceland.

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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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