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Fluid ETFE Canopy Overlooks Volcanic Landscape in Sustainable Community Pavilion

Authors:
Tatyana Serdyukova, Daria Bessonova, Daria Parvatkina, Oksana Kikina
Fluid ETFE Canopy Overlooks Volcanic Landscape in Sustainable Community Pavilion

Project in-detail

With a fluid ETFE canopy that captures natural light and provides expansive views of Iceland's volcanic landscape, the pavilion serves as a multifunctional space for educational programs and community engagement centered around coffee culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion employs a lightweight ETFE membrane that enhances thermal efficiency while allowing natural light to permeate the space.
02
A unique bent A-frame design maximizes structural stability and creates an open, airy interior.
03
Construction incorporates monolithic reinforced concrete for durability, suited to Iceland's harsh climate.
04
Interactive exhibits educate visitors on coffee production, integrating cultural engagement with architectural space.
05
Strategically positioned windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, enhancing the visitor experience.

The "Rain Drop" Pavilion is an architectural project located at the base of Hverfjall volcano, near Lake Mývatn in Iceland. This structure serves as both a functional space and an attraction for visitors, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Its purpose is to provide educational and cultural experiences related to coffee production and offer a gathering space for tourists and locals alike.

The pavilion features a dynamic and fluid roof design that mimics the form of raindrops, enhancing its connection to the natural environment. This unique roof not only draws the eye but also contributes to a sense of openness and connection with the landscape. Constructed with a monolithic reinforced concrete foundation and a lightweight ETFE shell, the design prioritizes sustainability. The ETFE material allows for natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency, promoting an environment that is both inviting and energy-efficient.

One significant aspect of the "Rain Drop" Pavilion is its multifunctionality. The interior layout includes an amphitheater-style seating arrangement around a central coffee area. This encourages community interaction while educating visitors about local coffee culture. The pavilion’s design supports a range of activities, from workshops and talks to relaxation areas, making it adaptable to various events and functions. Such flexibility distinguishes this project from many similar structures, which often serve a singular purpose.

In addition to its practical uses, the pavilion engages visitors with its setting, enhancing the overall tourist experience in the Icelandic landscape. The careful selection of materials, combined with innovative architectural forms, allows the pavilion to withstand the region’s climatic challenges while responding to the need for sustainable design. This project fosters a dialogue between architecture, nature, and culture, positioning it as an exemplary model for future architectural endeavors in ecologically sensitive areas.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that make the "Rain Drop" Pavilion distinctive, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This detailed review will offer a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin the project and its innovative approach to integrating culture and environment.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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