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Cave-Like Spaces with Geometric Flow for Immersive Film Experience

Authors:
Yuxiao Yang, Yaodan Zhang
Cave-Like Spaces with Geometric Flow for Immersive Film Experience

Project in-detail

Emphasizing cave-like spaces and geometric flow, the design creates immersive environments that encourage reflection and community engagement within a dedicated cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cave-like interior spaces enhance user immersion and reflection.
02
Geometric flow creates a dynamic transition between environments.
03
A bent A-frame design integrates with the natural landscape.
04
Community gathering zones promote interaction among visitors.
05
Natural materials echo Iceland's unique geographic features.

The design draws inspiration from the unique landscape of Iceland, filled with glaciers and volcanic formations. This building serves as a cinema, aiming to build connections among visitors while offering a memorable experience that reflects themes commonly found in Icelandic films. The overall concept embraces a journey that moves from enclosed, cave-like spaces into open areas, mirroring the natural environment that surrounds the site.

Spatial Composition

The building's layout encourages smooth movement, beginning at the entrance with a gentle slope that leads visitors into the depths of the structure. This approach prepares them for the transition from the outside world to an interior space. As they explore, they encounter distinct environments that cater to individual reflection as well as group interaction.

Contrasting Environments

The design emphasizes a contrast between darker, introspective areas and brighter, more welcoming zones. This duality illustrates the relationship between isolation and community found in Iceland. Within the building, communal areas, such as a café, provide space for patrons to engage and share thoughts about their cinematic experiences, enhancing the focus on human connection.

Conceptual Framework

The design reflects philosophical themes drawn from Plato's cave analogy, exploring ideas of confinement and enlightenment. Darker sections represent isolation, while moving towards lighter areas symbolizes a journey toward understanding and connection. This framework adds depth to the visitor experience, encouraging reflection as they navigate through the space.

The building's geometric form abstracts elements of the surrounding landscape, allowing it to integrate with its environment. Visitors approach a structure that balances natural beauty with designed form. Ultimately, the design resonates with the rich cultural and physical context of its location, creating a space that deepens the connection between people and their surroundings.

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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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