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Corten Steel and Volcanic Rock Pavilion Enriching Icelandic Cultural Engagement

Authors:
Heitor Derbli, Samuel Nogueira, Carolina Pinheiro
Corten Steel and Volcanic Rock Pavilion Enriching Icelandic Cultural Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with Corten steel and volcanic rock, the Pavilion integrates an underground pathway that connects visitors to a tectonic crevasse, serving as a hub for Icelandic cinema and cultural activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Panoramic galleries provide unobstructed views of the Icelandic landscape.
02
An underground pathway leads to a crevasse formed by tectonic plate movement.
03
Corten steel and volcanic rock are used for a locally resonant materiality.
04
Dedicated cultural spaces offer diverse programming for community engagement.
05
The glass roof incorporates geothermal heating for energy efficiency.

The Icelandic Cinema Pavilion is a well-designed space that contributes to the cultural fabric of Iceland. Located in an area rich with natural beauty and history, the Pavilion focuses on promoting Icelandic cinema while serving as a space for community engagement. The design aims to connect visitors with the impressive landscape around them, blending the features of the building with the environment.

Design and Layout

The Pavilion includes panoramic transparent galleries that allow visitors to connect with the unique Icelandic surroundings. These galleries are positioned to enhance views of the landscape and encourage exploration. This layout fosters interaction, aligning with the goal of deepening artistic and cultural conversations among visitors.

Cultural Spaces

Inside the Pavilion, various areas are dedicated to cultural activities, including exhibitions, discussions, and film screenings. This multifunctional design supports a range of programming, appealing to both locals and tourists. By creating a space for diverse cultural events, the Pavilion works to strengthen community ties and celebrate Icelandic creativity.

Geological Integration

An interesting feature of the Pavilion is its underground level, where visitors can find scenic pathways leading to a crevasse formed by tectonic plate movements. This design choice incorporates the geological aspects of the site and offers a direct connection to nature. It invites visitors to experience the unique landscape and understand its significance.

Materiality

The Pavilion uses materials that reflect its context, including wood, volcanic rock, and Corten steel. This selection creates a strong connection to the surrounding environment and emphasizes a careful understanding of local resources. The glass roof, which is heated using geothermal energy, allows light to fill the space while addressing practical concerns such as snow accumulation.

The combination of design elements and materials makes the Pavilion a thoughtful representation of Iceland’s natural and cultural landscape. It serves its purpose while acknowledging the remarkable environment that surrounds it.

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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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