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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
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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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