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Glass Cathedral Framing Panoramic Views in Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Kaito Mizuta, Ruki Nagashima, zewen dai, Mai Iida
Glass Cathedral Framing Panoramic Views in Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

A glass cathedral rises amid Iceland's dramatic landscape, offering unobstructed views and an underground gathering space, creating an immersive venue for cinematic experiences and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glass structure designed to reflect surrounding light and landscape.
02
Sharp roofline inspired by Iceland's glacier topography.
03
Underground gathering space offers a unique perspective of the landscape.
04
Panoramic glass walls connect visitors with the natural environment.
05
Interior layout enhances the sensation of weightlessness during screenings.

The Moon Cinema project presents a thoughtful architectural response to its location in the striking landscape of Iceland. Designed as a glass cathedral, it serves the purpose of a cinema while establishing a clear connection with the surrounding nature. The design concept emphasizes transparency, allowing the structure to interact with the light and scenery of its environment. This setting elevates the experience of watching films, creating a blend of indoor and outdoor cinematic encounters.

Geometric Form and Context

The building features a distinctive geometric form, particularly highlighted by its sharply pointed roof that resembles the iconic glaciers of the region. This shape helps situate the pavilion within its vast landscape, creating a link between the structure and the sky. The roof's design contributes to a sense of elevation, encouraging visitors to look upward and appreciate the natural beauty around them.

Spatial Dynamics

The layout of the space is designed to enhance how visitors engage with the cinema. A gradual slope leads the audience toward the entrance, which carefully blocks external views. This transition builds anticipation for what lies inside. Once inside, the ambiance aims to create a feeling of lightness, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the film screening.

Visual Integration

In the theater room, a large glass wall reveals expansive views of the surrounding landscape, merging the outside world with the cinematic experience. This design encourages a play of light and shadow, changing throughout the day and enhancing the visual richness of the experience. The projection screen and audio equipment are hidden when not in use, keeping the focus on the film and the natural scenery.

Functionality and Interaction

The gathering space is located underground, providing a different perspective on the landscape. This area invites visitors to connect with each other after the film, fostering a sense of community. Conversations and reflections take place in a setting that encourages engagement with both the films and the surroundings.

The design ultimately highlights a connection between architecture and nature. Visitors are invited to take in the expansive views while enjoying the cinematic experience, creating a space that values both culture and the stunning Icelandic 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

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