Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cave-Like Pavilion Embracing Concrete and Aluminum in the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Videlia Veriska, Dara Indira Okta, Alva Maula Rahman
Cave-Like Pavilion Embracing Concrete and Aluminum in the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s dramatic landscape, a cave-like pavilion constructed from concrete and aluminum invites visitors to immerse themselves in cinematic experiences while connecting with the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cave-like design enhances acoustic properties for film screenings.
02
Large glass sections allow for views of the Aurora Borealis.
03
Sunken entry creates a unique transition from exterior to interior.
04
Mezzanine provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Constructed with locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.

Sokkio is a movie pavilion located in the rugged landscape of Iceland, near Grjotagja Cave. It serves as a venue for cinematic experiences while blending harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The design centers on creating an immersive journey, allowing visitors to connect with both the architecture and the unique geological features of the area.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Sokkio is carefully organized to guide visitors through various interconnected spaces. Upon arrival, people walk down a pathway that leads them into the pavilion. This descent creates a contrast with the outside environment, drawing attention to the warmth of the interior. The design features a ramp that encourages exploration, leading to a mezzanine that offers views of the picturesque landscape.

Interior Atmosphere

Inside, Sokkio has a cave-like quality, making the space feel intimate and inviting. The way natural light interacts with the architecture enhances the visitor experience. Openings are strategically placed to encourage engagement with the surrounding scenery. The layout provides areas for both communal activities and quiet contemplation, offering a balanced experience for all visitors.

Material Considerations

The materials used in Sokkio include concrete and aluminum. Concrete is the primary material for its strength and thermal benefits, making it suitable for the Icelandic climate. Aluminum, used for the roof, adds a lightweight element, complementing the overall form. Together, these materials ensure durability and support sustainability while respecting the local environment.

Design Details

The atmosphere inside Sokkio shifts throughout the day, allowing for varied use. During daylight hours, the pavilion serves as a space for discussions about film and art. At night, it becomes a setting for cinematic experiences, with large glass sections enabling views of the Aurora Borealis. This design fosters an evolving experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both the films and the enchanting beauty of the Icelandic landscape, especially from the vantage point of the mezzanine.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy