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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roof Integration in a Sustainable Cinematic Pavilion

Author:
Tommaso Di castri
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roof Integration in a Sustainable Cinematic Pavilion

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a green roof, the pavilion harmoniously integrates with its Icelandic landscape to provide a sustainable venue for cinematic experiences and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates a green roof to promote biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that reflects the local geological landscape.
05
Designed for multifunctionality, accommodating cinema, restaurant, and expo spaces.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is an architectural project located in Grjótagjá, Iceland, designed to serve as a cultural and cinematic venue. The pavilion integrates seamlessly into the natural landscape, reflecting the unique geological features of the region while promoting sustainability and community engagement. Its architecture embraces a low-impact approach, prioritizing the harmony between the built environment and the surrounding ecosystem.

Design Intent and Architectural Integration

The pavilion's design emphasizes a minimal footprint on the site, following the land’s contours rather than imposing on them. This is achieved through an offset structure that maximizes views and natural light. Extensive glazing is used throughout the pavilion, allowing for visibility into the interior spaces, thus fostering a continuous interaction between occupants and the natural scenery. The roof structure is designed to evoke the form of rocks prevalent in the local landscape, further enhancing the native context and establishing a connection to Iceland’s geological identity.

Key Features and Sustainable Practices

A distinctive element of this project is its green roof, which serves multiple purposes: it acts as an insulator, facilitates water management, and promotes local biodiversity through plant integration. The use of low-carbon concrete aligns with principles of sustainability, ensuring that the building has a reduced environmental impact while providing structural stability. Additional sustainable components include photovoltaic panels that harness solar energy, contributing to the energy self-sufficiency of the pavilion.

Modular Design and Functionality

The Iceland Movie Pavilion includes multifunctional spaces designed to support various community activities. The cinema serves as the focal point, specifically designed for acoustical precision and visual clarity. It features an interior that echoes natural rock formations, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Adjacent to the cinema, the restaurant and bar areas are positioned for optimal views, encouraging social interaction and connection to the outdoor environment. The expo center is crafted to accommodate diverse events, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to future needs.

The architectural decisions made in the design reflect a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint while providing a vibrant cultural space. This approach is evident in the selection of materials, such as sustainably sourced wood and extensive glass surfaces that enhance the pavilion's relationship with its surroundings.

Readers interested in gaining deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Iceland Movie Pavilion are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. This comprehensive review will provide a thorough understanding of the architectural ideas and unique design approaches employed in this significant cultural structure.

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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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