Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Dual Viewpoints and Geothermal Heating in a Sustainable Pavilion

Author:
Vid Greif
Dual Viewpoints and Geothermal Heating in a Sustainable Pavilion

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced sheep wool and geothermal heating, the design integrates dug-in viewpoints with carefully crafted elevation to create a sustainable pavilion dedicated to the appreciation of Icelandic cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual viewpoints enhance visitor engagement with the landscape.
02
The building uses locally sourced sheep wool for insulation.
03
Geothermal heating connects the structure to Iceland’s sustainable practices.
04
The roof design allows nature to flow seamlessly over the pavilion.
05
The underground cinema is specifically designed for accessibility.

The Grjótagjá Movie Cave in Iceland combines film and nature in a thoughtful architectural design. Located close to the famous Grjótagjá Caves, the pavilion aims to honor the country’s cinematic history while respecting the surrounding landscape. The overall goal is to create a balance between the new structure and the existing environment.

Design Concept

The pavilion consists of a ground floor and an underground hall. Its roof rises from the ground on one side while sloping down on the other. This shape allows the natural landscape to flow across the structure. Visitors can enjoy elevated viewpoints that provide unique sights of the volcanic terrain. There are also “dug-in viewpoints” next to the building, which offer a more intimate connection to the landscape.

Spatial Organization

Visitors access the building by following a path that leads to an entrance corridor. Inside, wardrobe and restroom facilities are immediately to the right, while a gallery displaying the history of Icelandic film is to the left. The gallery has horizontal shades that let in natural light, focusing attention on the exhibits. This layout connects guests to the local film heritage.

Functional Areas

The ground floor includes various spaces that enhance visitor experience. There is a bar with multi-level seating, a ticket counter, and changing rooms. Each space serves different needs and encourages social interaction. The underground section features a 50-seat cinema, thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. It ensures that all visitors, including those with mobility impairments, can enjoy the film experience comfortably.

Sustainable Design Features

Drawing from traditional Slovenian rural architecture, the structure incorporates load-bearing elements similar to those used in hay-drying buildings. Locally sourced sheep wool insulates the walls, improving energy efficiency. The building also includes a green roof and triple-glazed windows to further enhance performance. Geothermal heating ties the building to Iceland’s sustainable practices.

Large windows throughout the space offer excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Select seating areas frame these views, allowing the outside environment to play a significant role in the cinematic experience. The design integrates the beauty of the Icelandic landscape with the enjoyment of film, creating a space that celebrates both art and nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy