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Curved Walls of Reinforced Concrete Framing a Sustainable Cinematic Experience

Author:
Takahiro Moriya
Curved Walls of Reinforced Concrete Framing a Sustainable Cinematic Experience
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Curved walls of reinforced concrete reflect the natural fissures of the Icelandic landscape, creating a sustainable pavilion that enhances the cinematic experience through thoughtful integration with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved walls mimic Iceland's geological fissures to enhance site integration.
02
Reinforced concrete construction minimizes the volume of lumber used.
03
Stainless steel interior finishes facilitate dynamic light projection.
04
Crushed stone and sand improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
05
Views of nearby mountains and volcano enhance the visitor experience.

The Ground Rift is a movie pavilion set within the rugged landscape of Iceland. Its design draws from the natural geological features of the area, aiming to create a space that enhances the cinematic experience while connecting visitors with the environment. The overall concept highlights the relationship between architecture and nature, making the structure a part of the breathtaking surroundings.

Site Integration

The form of The Ground Rift closely resembles the shapes found in the raw landscape. By reflecting the contours of the Icelandic topography, the pavilion fits into its location. Visitors can feel the bond between the site and the building, immersing themselves in both the culture of cinema and the stunning Icelandic scenery.

Functional Design

Inside the pavilion, the layout accommodates various activities and ensures an enjoyable user experience. Key areas include a visitor waiting area, ticket reception, a cafe, and a theater room. Each space is carefully arranged to support movement, encouraging visitors to explore. The design fosters an inviting atmosphere that connects indoor activities with the beauty found outside.

Material Selection

Reinforced concrete is used for the structure, providing strength needed for the pavilion's curves. A steel roof complements this, ensuring durability against Iceland's weather. The use of stainless steel plates for the interior finishing adds a modern feel, while the combination of crushed stone and sand in the walls helps with insulation and energy efficiency, making the building more sustainable.

The rounded walls serve as an inviting feature, allowing natural light to flow in. This design detail creates a lively interior, fostering interactions among visitors while linking the cinematic experience with the dramatic Icelandic setting.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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