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Panoramic Views Framed by Turf House Design for Community Gathering

Authors:
Polpipat Naksawat, Teerakan Wattanayon, Ratasakon Chantaluxsul
Panoramic Views Framed by Turf House Design for Community Gathering

Project in-detail

With a roof garden that captures panoramic views and a design inspired by traditional turf houses, the pavilion serves as a community gathering space celebrating Icelandic cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural elements integrate into the design, respecting the existing landscape.
02
The building's roof garden enhances user experience and environmental connection.
03
Turf house design principles are reinterpreted for modern functionality.
04
The theater's strategic orientation maximizes views of the surrounding scenery.
05
Community spaces promote social interaction and cultural engagement.

The Icelandic Movie Pavilion is located in the beautiful landscape of Iceland. It serves as a space dedicated to Icelandic cinema while connecting with the natural surroundings. The design concept emphasizes the importance of merging the building with its environment, highlighting both its function and the cultural significance of film. Visitors engage with the site and experience the rich cinematic history of the region in a thoughtfully designed atmosphere.

Design Concept

The main area of the pavilion functions as a movie theater, positioned to create a clear boundary in the layout. This organization not only enhances the storytelling aspect of the design but also roots the building in its natural context. By following the existing landscape and moving around aged rocks, the design is respectful of the site’s history, ensuring that the structure complements the beauty of its surroundings.

Architectural Style

Influenced by Icelandic turf houses, the design updates this traditional form for use in modern times. The connection to local heritage contributes to the pavilion's character, while contemporary architectural elements improve functionality. The height of the pavilion allows it to capture panoramic views, further engaging visitors with Iceland’s distinct landscape and inviting them to appreciate the scenery.

Community Spaces

Alongside the theater, the building includes a restaurant, bar, and kitchen that support community bonding and social interaction. These areas enhance the experience for visitors and provide gathering places for various activities. The flow of the design helps people move through the pavilion, guiding them through different cinematic experiences while maintaining a strong link to the outdoor environment.

Feature Elements

The pavilion features a roof garden, which includes a staircase, rain drainage systems, and a skylight. These aspects enhance both the look and function of the structure. Modern heating and cooling systems, along with rotating doors, contribute to a smooth transition between the inside and outside. Such thoughtful details reflect a dedication to comfort and environmental sensitivity, enriching the narrative of the Icelandic Movie Pavilion as a place where architecture and nature coexist.

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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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