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Ceramic Bricks and Fiber-Cement Facade Within a Multifunctional Pavilion in Iceland

Author:
Dominika Ziomek
Ceramic Bricks and Fiber-Cement Facade Within a Multifunctional Pavilion in Iceland

Project in-detail

Utilizing ceramic bricks and a fiber-cement facade, the pavilion integrates safety features and sustainable energy sources while serving as a community hub with a café, gallery, and cinema in northern Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced ceramic bricks for enhanced durability.
02
Features a fiber-cement facade resistant to UV and humidity.
03
Incorporates emergency rooms designed for extreme weather conditions.
04
Includes a sleeping capsule and underground shelter for safety.
05
Strategically frames views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.

The design located on the north side of Iceland integrates functionality with a strong focus on the environment. The pavilion serves multiple purposes, catering to both tourists and the local community with a café, gallery, and cinema. The overall concept centers around the relationship with the surrounding landscape, promoting an interaction between constructed spaces and nature.

Site and Spatial Organization

The layout of the pavilion is thoughtfully organized to enhance visitor experience. The ground floor includes essential services like a café, ticket offices, and a cloakroom, which support the needs of guests. An information point is available to help newcomers navigate the area. The first floor features a cinema hall that can accommodate 50 people, including accessible seating options. This hall has both digital and analog projectors to allow for diverse film screenings.

Safety Features and Accessibility

The design addresses the challenges posed by Iceland's harsh climate by integrating several safety features. Emergency rooms are included to prepare for weather-related emergencies, such as blizzards. A sleeping capsule on the first floor and an underground shelter add to the safety measures. The project also provides 36 parking spots, with three designated for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that it is accessible to all.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is a key aspect of the pavilion’s design. It is located near a green energy station that supplies heating and hot water, aligning with current environmental standards. The pavilion remains well-lit throughout the year to offer comfort during the extensive winter months, reflecting a commitment to energy-efficient practices.

Materials and Durability

Materials have been chosen carefully to ensure durability and make use of local resources. Reinforced concrete slabs are used for the ceilings, which are poured on-site to limit transportation needs. For load-bearing and external walls, ceramic hollow bricks are selected, emphasizing local sourcing. Additionally, fiber-cement panels were chosen for the façade because of their resistance to UV rays and humidity. This contributes to the structure's longevity and low maintenance while blending with the Icelandic environment.

The design includes openings that frame views of the Icelandic landscape, directing the gaze of visitors towards the beauty of nature. These features create a connection between indoor spaces and the outside world, enhancing the overall experience.

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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
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