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Circular Pavilion Featuring Polycarbonate Facade and Local Timber in Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Laura Franeková
Circular Pavilion Featuring Polycarbonate Facade and Local Timber in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

With its circular form and transparent polycarbonate facade seamlessly blending into the rugged Icelandic landscape, this pavilion utilizes local timber to create an inviting space for community gatherings and cinematic experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion incorporates a circular design that enhances community interaction and connection to the landscape.
02
Its facade features transparent polycarbonate panels, allowing optimal natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.
03
Local timber is utilized throughout the structure, emphasizing sustainability and a connection to the region's natural resources.
04
A central atrium serves as a focal point, creating an inviting atmosphere and facilitating natural ventilation.
05
The building's form mirrors the surrounding topography, ensuring a harmonious integration with the Icelandic landscape.
The Movie Circle project presents a thoughtfully designed architectural pavilion set against the stunning backdrop of the Icelandic landscape. This project is a representation of innovative architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings while serving the functional purpose of a community cinema and gathering space. The circular design of the pavilion not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of unity and inclusivity among its users.

Functionally, the Movie Circle serves as a versatile venue for cinematic experiences as well as public events, offering a space where communities can come together. The design is intended to facilitate both social interactions and individual experiences, creating an environment conducive to both entertainment and communal engagement.

A prominent aspect of the architectural design is the emphasis on natural light, which is seamlessly integrated into the space through strategically placed openings and a central atrium. This not only enhances the visual and experiential quality of the interior but also reflects a commitment to sustainability by reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The thoughtful incorporation of materials plays a crucial role in this regard. The project utilizes local concrete for structural integrity, complemented by sustainably sourced wood elements that add warmth and a tactile quality to the interior spaces. Polycarbonate panels form part of the facade, allowing for transparency that invites in the beautiful, changing Icelandic light.

The project’s unique design approach is firmly anchored in the dialogue between the built form and the environment. The circular shape of the pavilion echoes the natural contours of the landscape, creating an organic relationship between architecture and nature. The architects chose to integrate sloped forms that mimic the surrounding hills, showing a sensitivity to the existing topography that minimizes the impact on the site. This approach demonstrates a clear understanding of the geographical context and a desire to maintain the integrity of the landscape.

Internally, the design features a variety of spaces that cater to different activities, including communal areas, private viewing rooms, and flexible gathering spaces. As visitors move through the pavilion, they encounter a carefully curated sequence of experiences, with lines of sight that connect individuals not only to one another but also to the breathtaking views outdoors. The interior atmosphere is enriched through the combination of natural materials and the thoughtful play of light and shadow, resulting in an inviting environment that encourages visitors to linger and interact.

Moreover, environmental considerations are paramount in the Movie Circle project. The design employs passive heating and cooling techniques, with elements that help manage solar gain and ensure energy efficiency. Such measures not only reduce the carbon footprint of the building but also highlight a commitment to creating a sustainable future within architectural practice.

As the sun sets, the Movie Circle transitions into a softly illuminated beacon, inviting guests to gather and enjoy cinematic offerings beneath the expansive Icelandic sky. The lighting design reinforces the pavilion's architectural form while providing a welcoming atmosphere for evening events.

The design philosophy behind the Movie Circle reflects a significant trend in contemporary architecture, where buildings are not just isolated structures but integral parts of their landscapes and communities. Through its innovative approach to form, materiality, and functionality, this project exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can create meaningful spaces that foster social interaction and a deeper connection to the environment.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and ideas that characterize the Movie Circle project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation available. This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the intricate design choices and the overall vision that brings this architectural project to life.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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