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Connecting Landscapes Through Perforated Aluminum and Warm Wood Elements in a Cinematic Pavilion

Author:
晟文涛 宋
Connecting Landscapes Through Perforated Aluminum and Warm Wood Elements in a Cinematic Pavilion
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Perforated aluminum panels and warm wood create a dialogue with the Icelandic landscape in a pavilion designed for cinema and cultural exhibition.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated aluminum panels enhance natural light while providing visual depth to the facade.
02
The interior features a flexible multi-level platform for diverse viewing experiences.
03
Local cinematic sites are projected onto walls and ceilings, connecting visitors with the landscape.
04
Wood finishes create a warm atmosphere, inviting longer stays and interaction.
05
Cracks in the exterior design symbolize nearby geological landmarks, integrating architecture with nature.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is a unique building located near Grjotagia Cave in northern Iceland. It serves as both a cinema and an exhibition hall, highlighting the region's rich film history. Many well-known films, including *Game of Thrones*, *Prometheus*, and *Lamb*, have been filmed in Iceland. The pavilion's design connects with the natural landscape, creating a space that invites visitors to explore both the art of film and the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Form and Concept

The shape of the pavilion responds thoughtfully to its surroundings. Its facade features cracks that reflect significant local landmarks, such as Hverfjall volcano and Mt. Namaskard. These design elements bridge the building with its environment, allowing visitors to feel a connection to the landscape as they walk through the space. This interaction transforms the pavilion into a gathering point where nature and human creativity meet.

Interior Experience

Inside, the layout is centered around a multi-level platform designed for film viewing. It includes cloth-bag sofas that create flexible seating options. Visitors can choose to sit cross-legged, lounge comfortably, or find their own way to relax. This variety supports a friendly and social atmosphere, encouraging engagement with the films being screened. The design decision emphasizes comfort, which enhances the experience for all who visit.

Projection Technology

The pavilion uses projection technology to turn its walls and ceiling into screens. This innovative feature displays scenes from Icelandic films, showcasing important shooting locations throughout the country. This approach not only pays homage to local cinema but also creates a vibrant and immersive environment. By combining images of the landscape with the physical space, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of Iceland's cultural identity.

Material Selection

Lightweight materials are key to the pavilion's overall design. Wood is used throughout the interior to provide a warm and welcoming feeling. On the exterior, perforated aluminum panels create a lighter appearance, allowing natural light to pour into the space. This thoughtful choice offers a balance between visibility and shade, connecting the interior ambiance with the outdoor environment.

The design emphasizes the relationship between the building and its landscape, offering visitors an experience that resonates with the essence of Iceland. Each aspect is carefully considered, from the flexible seating to the projection technology, which collectively create an environment where film and nature converge.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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