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Natural Light and Grass Roof Blend in Community Cinema with Concrete Structure

Authors:
Eduardo Herrera cantu, Juan carlos Rodriguez garcia, Ricardo Lopez d´elia, Rafael Sandoval Lozano
Natural Light and Grass Roof Blend in Community Cinema with Concrete Structure

Project in-detail

With a roof adorned in lush grass and expansive glass facades that invite natural light, the design integrates concrete and wood to create a vibrant community hub centered around film and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The grass roof serves as a natural insulation system, enhancing energy efficiency while blending seamlessly with the landscape.
02
Extensive use of glass facades allows for uninterrupted views of the surrounding Icelandic scenery, fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant exterior while adding a distinctive aesthetic element unique to the project's design.
04
The circular layout encourages movement and interaction among visitors, promoting a sense of community and engagement.
05
An outdoor cinema area capitalizes on the natural environment, allowing for film screenings under the stars while integrating social gathering spaces.
The Samruni project represents a thoughtful exploration of architectural design, seamlessly integrating community engagement, environmental consciousness, and the unique characteristics of its Icelandic location. This initiative focuses on creating a multifaceted space that serves not only as a movie theater but also as a lively bar and gathering point for residents and visitors alike. By doing so, the design fosters connections and encourages social interaction, providing a platform for cultural exchange and communal experiences.

The spatial arrangement of the project is characterized by two intersecting volumes that house the main functionalities. The bar and lobby area is strategically designed to serve as the focal point of the building. The expansive lobby welcomes visitors with a warm, inviting atmosphere, featuring comfortable seating arrangements and a well-designed bar. This space is intended to accommodate a variety of activities, from casual meetups to formal events. The integration of soft furnishings made from local materials adds to the overall authentic experience that the design embodies.

Adjacent to the lobby is the movie theater, which not only provides a space for cinematic enjoyment but also serves as a venue for community events. The theater's design prioritizes acoustic performance and visual comfort, ensuring a high-quality experience for viewers. Large windows and glass facades throughout the theater and bar invite ample natural light, creating a transparent quality that merges the indoor and outdoor environments. This design approach emphasizes the importance of natural light in enhancing the overall ambiance and keeping visitors connected to the surrounding landscape.

An important aspect of the Samruni project is its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The selection of materials reflects this intention, with concrete as the primary structural element and glass utilized to foster transparency and connection with nature. Additionally, the inclusion of grass on the building's roof integrates seamlessly with the natural topography and serves as a cooling element for the structure. This unique design choice not only aids in energy conservation but also promotes local biodiversity by allowing native flora to flourish.

The outdoor spaces surrounding the building have been carefully considered, offering additional layers of engagement. An outdoor cinema area facilitates open-air screenings, allowing the architectural design to extend its utility and reach. The incorporation of a central fire pit provides a warm gathering space that enhances community interactions, focusing on the social aspect of the architectural experience.

What makes the Samruni project particularly notable is its ability to encapsulate contemporary design while respecting and reflecting Icelandic heritage. The circular layout symbolizes the merging of different functions and the continuity of community life, akin to the natural landscapes surrounding the site. This sensitivity to locality is an essential part of the overall conceptual framework, which seeks to harmonize the architecture with its environment rather than impose upon it.

In terms of architectural ideas, the project highlights the importance of integration—as both a physical and conceptual approach to design. By linking functions with thoughtfully designed communal spaces, the project not only enhances usability but also encourages a sense of belonging among users.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the design and its intricacies, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and sketches will provide valuable insights into the project's innovative approaches. Delving into these details can reveal how each element contributes to creating a cohesive architectural experience. The Samruni project stands as a promising example of modern architecture that thoughtfully engages with its environment while prioritizing community connections and sustainability. To truly appreciate the design and its nuances, it invites further exploration of its presentation, showcasing the full range of architectural ideas at play.
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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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