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Panoramic Pavilion Connecting Icelandic Film Heritage with Nature

Authors:
Ralph Frühwirth, Martyna Idasiak, John Phasin Edmonds, Javier Ignacio Navarro Puig
Panoramic Pavilion Connecting Icelandic Film Heritage with Nature

Project in-detail

The 360-degree viewpoint terrace offers expansive views of the Mid-Atlantic ridge while seamlessly integrating a movie pavilion that celebrates Icelandic cinema and its rich natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
360-degree viewpoint terrace that connects visitors to the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
02
Integrates a multi-sensory experience reflecting Iceland's rich film history.
03
Foyer designed to facilitate social interaction and relaxation before film screenings.
04
Modern cinema technology paired with comfortable seating for enhanced viewing.
05
Connection to Grjótagjá caves, enriching the narrative of Icelandic cinema.

Samflétta is located near the Mid-Atlantic ridge and the Grjótagjá caves in Iceland. It serves as a movie pavilion that immerses visitors in the stories of Icelandic cinema while connecting them to the natural landscape. The design focuses on how human experiences interact with nature, creating a space that enhances appreciation for both culture and geography.

Spatial Organization

The layout guides visitors through interconnected spaces. Upon entering, guests arrive at a foyer designed for socializing, where they can enjoy warm beverages before moving on to other experiences. Visitors have the option to dine in a restaurant serving local dishes, which offers views of the Hlíðarfjall, or to proceed to the cinema area designed for film screenings.

Functionality and Visitor Experience

Inside the cinema, modern technology complements comfortable seating to provide an enjoyable viewing experience for film lovers. The spaces are designed to engage patrons with Iceland's rich film history while maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment. After the film, visitors transition through a souvenir shop before ascending to a viewpoint terrace that features panoramic views of the Icelandic landscape.

Architectural Dialogue

The design encourages interaction between the interior and exterior environments. Each space not only supports its intended function but also enhances the overall experience of the pavilion. This arrangement reflects the cultural narratives found in Icelandic cinema, emphasizing the relationship between people and the natural beauty of the region.

A key feature is the 360-degree viewpoint terrace. This area serves as a point of connection to the landscape, allowing guests to take in the expansive Icelandic scenery. The terrace wraps up the visitor experience, uniting the architectural design with the surrounding nature.

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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
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