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Exposed Terrain and Soil Roof Integrate Cinema with Icelandic Landscapes

Authors:
Sunghyun Kim, Hyosil Yang, Seokhyun Kim
Exposed Terrain and Soil Roof Integrate Cinema with Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

The design integrates exposed terrain and a soil-covered roof, creating a unique cinematic experience that connects visitors to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof is covered with soil excavated from the site during construction.
02
The pavilion's wooden terrain serves as both seating and part of the interior landscape.
03
Panoramic views are integrated into the visitor experience, especially towards Hverfjall.
04
Exposed terrain under lifted sections creates a direct connection to the surrounding geology.
05
The design incorporates educational spaces alongside film screenings, enhancing cultural engagement.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion serves as a venue for presenting Icelandic films while creating a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. It is situated in a geologically rich area that highlights the natural beauty of Iceland. The design combines the building with the land, allowing visitors to enjoy both cinematic experiences and the scenery outside. By lifting parts of the structure, the pavilion reflects the geological processes that shape the environment, creating a meaningful link between nature and architecture.

Architectural Concept
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This pavilion is designed to showcase the unique aspects of the Icelandic landscape. The concept emphasizes revealing the terrain, allowing natural features to become part of the visitor's experience. By incorporating the landscape into the design, the building encourages movement between indoor film screenings and outdoor views. Visitors can engage with both the art of cinema and the beauty of the surroundings without effort.

Spatial Layout
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Inside the pavilion, the focus is on the exhibition of Icelandic films, supported by a library and archives. These spaces offer insights into the history of Icelandic cinema and geography. A wooden terrain extends from the floor to the seating area, featuring a gradual slope that enhances the viewing experience. This thoughtful arrangement invites engagement, making it easy for visitors to connect with both the films and the stunning landscape outside.

Material Use and Integration
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The structure employs steel as the primary support for the building, forming a strong framework. The framework is complemented by wood paneling that creates an artificial topography. An interesting design detail is the roof, which is covered with soil taken from the site during construction. This choice reinforces the relationship between the pavilion and its environment, grounding the building in the Icelandic landscape.

Design Outcomes
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The pavilion effectively combines the experience of watching films with the appreciation of natural beauty. A distinctive feature allows visitors to turn their attention to the landscape of Hverfjall right after screenings. This connection between the cinematic story and the natural world enriches the overall experience. The design emphasizes the importance of context, inviting visitors to explore both the cinematic narratives and the incredible geography that defines Iceland.

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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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