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Fins of Glass and Concrete Shaping a Cultural Pavilion in Iceland

Author:
Vikram Roy
Fins of Glass and Concrete Shaping a Cultural Pavilion in Iceland

Project in-detail

Protruding fins of glass and reinforced concrete dynamically modulate sunlight while enhancing spatial interaction in a cultural pavilion designed for film and art enthusiasts in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Protruding fins respond to solar movement, optimizing light and shade within the pavilion.
02
The design incorporates reinforced concrete for durability in Iceland's harsh climate.
03
Interior spaces are organized to enhance community interaction and accessibility.
04
An art gallery greets visitors upon entry, creating an engaging cultural atmosphere.
05
The overall form reflects the surrounding landscape, ensuring visual harmony with the environment.

The architectural design is located in Iceland, where it captures the essence of the country’s dramatic landscapes. Serving as a venue for film lovers and the local community, the design aims to create a landmark that reflects Iceland’s cinematic culture. The structure is characterized by its organic shape, which rises gracefully from the ground, mirroring the natural landforms around it. This approach reinforces the connection between architecture and the environment.

Design Concept

The form of the building is inspired by the site’s geography, promoting interaction among visitors. The architecture flows naturally from the earth, enhancing its presence in the landscape. This design choice creates an inviting silhouette that embodies the spirit of Iceland while making a statement about its commitment to cultural expression.

Facade and Sunlight Control

A key feature of the building is the use of fins on its façade. These elements are designed to respond to the sun’s movement throughout the day. By controlling sunlight, the fins provide necessary shade for public areas like the café and open art gallery. This thoughtful approach not only improves comfort for visitors but also showcases a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable design practices.

Spatial Layout

Inside, the layout serves the building’s function as a cultural center. Visitors enter through an art gallery, which sets an engaging atmosphere right from the start. Surrounding functional areas include administrative offices and a lobby, ensuring convenience for all. The inclusion of accessible features, such as wheelchair lifts, highlights the importance of inclusivity, allowing everyone to explore the space freely.

Material Choices

The choice of materials is notable for their durability in Iceland's climate. The combination of glass and reinforced concrete enhances both the aesthetic and structural aspects of the building. Glass allows natural light to flood the interiors while providing views of the surrounding landscape. Reinforced concrete offers strength and resilience, ensuring that the structure withstands the island's changing weather over time.

The design concludes with a form that reflects the natural contours of the landscape, creating a visual connection with the environment. This attention to detail contributes to an overall sense of place within the Icelandic scenery.

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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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