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Caves and Concrete: a Pavilion Embracing Landscape Through Telescopic Views

Author:
Khrystyna Skorik
Caves and Concrete: a Pavilion Embracing Landscape Through Telescopic Views

Project in-detail

The integration of exposed aggregate concrete and large glass windows in a pavilion near the Grjótagjá Caves offers visitors telescopic views of Myvatn Nature Bath, creating a unique cinematic experience grounded in its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion incorporates large telescopes on its terrace for enhanced visitor engagement with the landscape.
02
Exposed aggregate concrete mirrors the local cave formations, reinforcing the connection to the environment.
03
The design includes a spacious café that accommodates up to 50 visitors, enhancing social interaction.
04
Panoramic glass walls provide unobstructed views of Myvatn Nature Bath, maximizing natural light.
05
Plastic 3D panels in the cinema hall mimic the textures of nearby caves, adding thematic depth to the interior.

Kvikmyndopolis is located near the Grjótagjá Caves, close to Myvatn Nature Bath. The design functions as a movie pavilion that provides a unique space for cinema while promoting engagement with the surrounding landscape. The concept focuses on harmonizing the building with its environment, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the natural setting.

Facade Design

Large glass windows are a key feature of the building’s facade. They provide transparency and connect the interior spaces with the outdoor scenery. This design maximizes natural light, making the interior bright and welcoming. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Myvatn Nature Bath from inside. A terrace equipped with telescopes encourages exploration, inviting guests to take in the landscape at their own pace.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Kvikmyndopolis is carefully organized into specific functional areas. A spacious café can hold up to 50 visitors, promoting social interaction in a comfortable environment. Essential services, such as a ticket office and cloakroom, are conveniently located to improve visitor flow. This setup ensures that each part of the building serves its purpose effectively while enhancing the overall experience.

Material Choices

Exposed aggregate concrete is used as the primary material for the structure, reflecting the textures inherent in the local geology. This choice helps the building resonate with its surroundings. Inside, green marble is used for the flooring and stairs, adding a touch of elegance that connects visitors with the natural environment outside.

Dynamic Interior Elements

In the cinema hall, plastic 3D panels cover the walls. These panels replicate the stone textures found in the nearby caves, enhancing the overall design theme. This detail adds visual interest and reinforces the connection between the architecture and its geographical context. The way light interacts with these surfaces creates a lively atmosphere, enriching the experience for those enjoying the film.

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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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