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Cultural Pavilion Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Eco-Friendly Design in an Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Klaudia Olsza, Jacek Czudak, Mateusz Nisiewicz
Cultural Pavilion Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Eco-Friendly Design in an Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled within the breathtaking Icelandic landscape, this cultural pavilion harmoniously integrates reinforced concrete and expansive glass, creating a cinematic space that frames both film and nature while promoting ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The pavilion's design incorporates a green roof system, enhancing biodiversity while providing natural insulation.
02
High windows throughout the cinema hall frame views of the surrounding landscape, merging the indoor cinematic experience with outdoor vistas.
03
Soundproofing features utilize recycled materials, optimizing acoustics without compromising environmental sustainability.
04
The structure’s footprint is modular, allowing for flexible space usage that can be adapted for various community events and exhibitions.
05
Landscape integration is achieved through the use of gravel slabs and soil panels, promoting natural drainage and minimal visual disruption.
The architectural project, Cadre Movie Pavilion, stands as a cultural centerpiece nestled in the striking Icelandic landscape, specifically designed to interact with the natural surroundings including the Hverfjall Volcano and Grjótagjá Caves. This architectural endeavor serves multiple purposes: it functions as a cinema, gallery, and communal space that encourages engagement not only with film but also with the wider natural world. The pavilion encapsulates the essence of what modern architecture can achieve in harmonizing built environments with nature, offering an experience that transcends conventional cinematic spaces.

The design of the Cadre Movie Pavilion is rooted in the concept of “framing,” both in the cinematic sense and in the physical layout of the building. By thoughtfully considering the experience of viewing films, the architects have created spaces that allow for a connection with the outdoor vistas, inviting visitors to partake in both the storytelling of film and the beauty of the Icelandic landscape. This duality is expressed through the careful arrangement of spaces and the building's orientation, which enhances visitors’ interactions with both the interior and exterior environments.

The pavilion comprises several key components that contribute to its overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. The main cinema hall, which is designed with a raised ceiling, emphasizes the sense of immersion as viewers experience films. This area is complemented by strategically placed high windows that permit natural light to permeate the space while also offering glimpses of the surrounding scenery. Visitors may find that the integration of natural lighting blurs the lines between indoor activities and appreciation for the outdoors.

In addition to the cinematic space, the pavilion houses a gallery and café designed to foster social interactions. These areas are essential not only for their utility but also for creating a vibrant environment where visitors can reflect, converse, and share experiences related to the art of film. The modular layout allows for fluid movement between these spaces, with a design that encourages exploration and participation in varied activities.

The materiality of the pavilion plays a crucial role in its design philosophy. A combination of reinforced concrete provides structural sturdiness, especially vital in the context of Iceland's diverse weather conditions. Vast glass panels dominate the external façade; these not only bring light into the interior but also create a seamless visual connection with the landscape outside, reinforcing the pavilion's embeddedness within its setting. The use of black marble in interior spaces adds a contemporary touch that contrasts beautifully with the natural materials outside, while gravel slabs and soil panels promote eco-friendliness by enhancing drainage and landscaping.

A green roof defines another noteworthy aspect of the design. This not only aids in insulation but also furthers the concept of integrating the built environment with nature, as it allows for greater biodiversity and minimizes visual impact on the landscape. The careful selection of materials and strategic landscape placement underlines the pavilion’s commitment to sustainability and ecological sensitivity, enhancing its role within the community and the environment.

The Cadre Movie Pavilion goes beyond being merely a site for cinematic entertainment; it is a testament to modern architectural practices that prioritize user experience, sustainability, and environmental connection. Its unique design approaches — such as the nuanced use of framing in spatial organization, thoughtful material selection, and commitment to fostering communal engagement — place it in a distinct category of architectural projects. This pavilion stands as an exemplary model of how to blend form, function, and landscape within an architectural project.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural design process behind the Cadre Movie Pavilion, further exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas will provide valuable insights into this thoughtfully conceived project. Investigating these elements will enhance appreciation for how the design not only serves its intended purpose but also fosters a newfound connection with Iceland’s enchanting environment.
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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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