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Earth-Sheltered Pavilion with Laminated Timber Framework Supporting Community Cinema

Author:
Pablo Valladares
Earth-Sheltered Pavilion with Laminated Timber Framework Supporting Community Cinema

Project in-detail

An earth-sheltered structure with a laminated timber framework creates a harmonious space for community cinema, seamlessly blending with Iceland's natural landscape while promoting cultural engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Earth-sheltered design enhances thermal efficiency and minimizes visual impact.
02
Laminated timber framework contributes to structural strength while maintaining an organic aesthetic.
03
Inclined roof allows for an earth cover that integrates the pavilion with the landscape.
04
Outdoor amphitheater facilitates open-air film screenings in a natural setting.
05
Exhibition areas highlight Icelandic cinema and television history, promoting cultural education.

The Movie Pavilion is located in northern Iceland and serves as a center for cinema and cultural engagement. Inspired by the film "Börn Natturunnar" (Children of Nature) by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson, the pavilion reflects themes of love, aging, and the values of life. The structure is designed to connect with the surrounding landscape, incorporating elements that allow it to blend into the natural environment.

Spatial Layout

The interior layout of the pavilion promotes movement and interaction among visitors. The main theater is a key feature, providing a space for film screenings and community gatherings. Surrounding this are exhibition areas that highlight the history of Icelandic cinema and television. A café and lounge are included to encourage socializing, while an outdoor amphitheater offers a place for open-air screenings, allowing visitors to enjoy films in a natural setting.

Structural Elements

The pavilion is built on a concrete pile foundation, which ensures stability in the varied terrain. Above this, a reinforced concrete slab serves as the main flooring material, providing durability for the building. Laminated timber beams are used throughout the structure, contributing an organic quality that connects the building to its environment and minimizes the visual impact of the architecture.

Connection to Nature

A crucial aspect of the design is its earth-sheltering approach, which enhances thermal performance and reduces energy usage. The inclined roof is designed to accommodate a layer of earth, allowing it to blend with the landscape. This strategy not only serves practical needs but also demonstrates a respect for the surrounding geography.

Natural Lighting

A notable design detail is a skylight that brings natural light into the main theater. This feature creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel a connection to the outside world while enjoying cinematic experiences inside. The interplay of light and landscape further enhances the pavilion's role as a community space.

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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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