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Geothermal Pavilion Emphasizing Smoked Wood and Local Stone for a Multisensory Experience

Authors:
Mariwenn Lefebvre, Loona Bapte
Geothermal Pavilion Emphasizing Smoked Wood and Local Stone for a Multisensory Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing smoked wood and natural stone, the design integrates geothermal energy to create a multisensory pavilion that engages visitors with the elemental forces of nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes geothermal energy for sustainable heating and cooling.
02
Incorporates smoked wood for a warm aesthetic and tactile experience.
03
Features local stone to enhance geological connection to the landscape.
04
Integrates metallic pipes to create soundscapes in the Air Pavilion.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize visual engagement with nature.
The multisensory pavilion project is designed to offer an immersive experience that reflects the four classical elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Positioned within the unique landscapes of Iceland, this architectural endeavor is both a functional gathering space and a platform for environmental interaction. Each pavilion serves as a distinct environment dedicated to one of the elements, allowing visitors to engage with nature in a meaningful way.

Unique Design Approaches

The architecture of the pavilion is characterized by its integration with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Each pavilion incorporates specific thematic elements that enhance visitor engagement. The Air Pavilion, for instance, utilizes sound as a primary sensory element, employing metallic pipes that generate music to accompany a vertical ascent, culminating in a view that extends across the landscape. This design approach invites visitors to experience the pavilion in a dynamic manner, shifting between auditory engagement and visual connection.

The Earth Pavilion invites tactile interaction through its maze-like structure that displays varying textures, emphasizing the geological aspects of the surrounding area, including local rock formations. The deliberate design encourages exploration and reflection, reinforcing the connection to the Earth's physical properties.

In contrast, the Fire Pavilion focuses on social aspects, providing a warm and inviting hub where visitors can gather around a central fire pit. The choice of materials, such as smoked wood, enhances the aesthetic while fostering an inviting atmosphere conducive to interaction.

The Water Pavilion offers a space for rejuvenation and relaxation, utilizing geothermal resources to create a warm bathing experience that contrasts with the Icelandic climate. This pavilion draws on local natural phenomena, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a space that highlights the regenerative qualities of water.

Material Selection

The project employs a range of materials that align with the elemental themes and the harsh Icelandic climate. Concrete is used for structural elements, providing stability and durability. Wood, specifically smoked wood, is selected for its warmth and tactile quality, notably in the Fire Pavilion. Extensive use of glass elements enhances transparency, fostering visual connections with the landscape while allowing natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. Natural stone is integrated into the Earth Pavilion, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding geology while contributing to the overall sensory experience.

Call to Action

For those interested in deeper insights into the architectural design and layout, it is recommended to examine the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas associated with this project. Exploring these elements can provide a comprehensive understanding of how the design responds to both environmental and experiential factors, enriching the overall understanding of this multisensory pavilion.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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