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Cave-Wall Inspired Cultural Venue with Thermal Earth Integration

Authors:
Ivan Haynes, Hannah Cole, Britany Slater
Cave-Wall Inspired Cultural Venue with Thermal Earth Integration

Project in-detail

Incorporating cave-wall textures and utilizing thermal earth integration, the pavilion creates a unique cultural venue that fosters engagement with Icelandic cinema while seamlessly blending into its rugged landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates textures inspired by natural cave formations.
02
Utilizes thermal earth integration for energy efficiency.
03
Main structure is predominantly situated underground.
04
Design references the Grjótagjá Caves for cultural connection.
05
Features versatile spaces for film and community engagement.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is a thoughtfully designed space located in a landscape that embodies the unique beauty of Iceland. It serves as a cultural venue for cinema, inviting both locals and tourists to engage with Icelandic films. The overall design aims to connect the building with its natural surroundings, reflecting the character of the area through its architectural form and functional spaces.

Design Concept

The pavilion's design focuses on its relationship with the site. By placing the majority of the structure underground, it reduces visual impact and fits with the topographical features of the landscape. This placement not only helps the building blend in, but also improves its thermal efficiency. The natural earth cover above acts as insulation, maintaining comfortable temperatures inside regardless of the cold weather outside.

Functionality and Layout

Inside, the pavilion features a well-planned arrangement of spaces for various activities. There are areas for food and drink, seating for viewing films, and gallery space for exhibitions. This layout creates opportunities for social interaction and cultural engagement, making the pavilion a flexible venue for different events. The organization of spaces allows for easy movement, ensuring that visitors can navigate through the building with ease.

Interior Elements

The interior design incorporates elements that reflect Iceland's natural landscape. Textures inspired by caves and rock formations are present in the walls, creating an immersive atmosphere. These details enhance the overall experience, fostering a connection to the local environment. The design aims to make visitors feel as if they are part of the Icelandic landscape, not just observers.

Cultural Resonance

The pavilion takes inspiration from the Grjótagjá Caves, adding to its sense of place. The arrangement of spaces encourages exploration and invites visitors to engage with their surroundings. Natural light filters through, playing with shadows to create an ever-changing ambiance. This design detail contributes to an inviting setting, where the experience of the building becomes as important as the films it showcases.

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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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