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Framing Nature Through Green Roofs and Cinematic Views

Authors:
Klaudia Olsza, Jacek Czudak, Mateusz Nisiewicz
Framing Nature Through Green Roofs and Cinematic Views
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Incorporating 4:3 and 16:9 window formats, the design frames the surrounding landscape while utilizing green roofs for ecological balance, creating a space for cinema and cultural engagement in a dramatic Icelandic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion incorporates cinematic window formats of 4:3 and 16:9 to frame landscape views.
02
Embedded cubes create distinct zones while maintaining a cohesive structure.
03
Green roofs enhance thermal performance and ecological integration.
04
The design draws inspiration from local tectonic plate formations.
05
Strategic lighting highlights the interplay between interior spaces and natural surroundings.

The Cadre Movie Pavilion sits in Iceland, surrounded by notable geological features such as Hverfjall Volcano and Grjótagjá Caves. It combines a cinema with a café and gallery space. The design aims to connect visitors with the natural beauty of the landscape while providing an engaging cultural experience. The concept emphasizes the relationship between the building and its environment, much like how a film frames its content.

Architectural Concept

The concept centers on integrating the structure with its surroundings. The pavilion is divided into two main areas: a cinematic space and a café gallery. This separation reflects the geographical characteristics of the site and encourages interaction. Each area serves a distinct purpose while contributing to a unified visitor experience.



Spatial Layout

The layout features embedded cubes that form a cohesive structure. This arrangement creates a sense of intimacy reminiscent of traditional theaters. Within this setting, visitors can feel both sheltered and connected to the expansive landscape outside. Design elements encourage exploration and provide opportunities to appreciate the views, enhancing the overall visit.



Material Considerations

Materials selected for the pavilion demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and alignment with environmental concerns. Green roofs are included, promoting ecological balance and improving thermal efficiency. The use of steel construction adds strength and stability to the structure. Glass panels are thoughtfully designed to frame the landscape, allowing natural light to fill the interior and connect the spaces to the outside.



Design Details

A key feature of the pavilion is the incorporation of window formats that correspond to common cinematic ratios, such as 4:3 and 16:9. These windows act as frames for the views, blending the inside with the natural world beyond. This design detail enhances the understanding of the connection between cinema and nature. The slightly raised roof of the cinema hall adds a defining characteristic to the structure and emphasizes its dialogue with the surrounding terrain.

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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

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