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Perforated Steel Panels and Litracon in a Cinematic Experience Amid Icelandic Landscapes

Authors:
Valentina Fesenko, Anna Nakhshkaryan, Marina Politova, Anna Neroslova
Perforated Steel Panels and Litracon in a Cinematic Experience Amid Icelandic Landscapes
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Incorporating perforated steel panels and Litracon, the facility harmonizes with Iceland's landscape while providing a multifunctional space for cinematic experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Litracon walls allow natural light while providing water resistance.
02
Perforated steel panels incorporate cultural motifs, enhancing the façade.
03
Mobile seating arrangements enable flexibility for various events.
04
The observation deck offers panoramic views of local geological features.
05
The design prioritizes accessibility to accommodate all visitors.

The Millennium Film Con is located in the scenic landscapes of North Iceland. Inspired by the Millennium Falcon, the design merges the themes of cinema with the beauty of nature. Visitors not only experience films but also connect with the unique surroundings. The layout creates an engaging journey that invites people to reflect on both the art of storytelling through film and the natural world outside.

LAYOUT AND ACCESS

The layout emphasizes views of the Icelandic terrain, with the main entrance oriented towards the primary road. A long pathway provides a welcoming atmosphere, resembling a red carpet to guide visitors into the building. High walls on either side protect against the region's strong winds, making it comfortable to approach. These walls incorporate perforated steel panels that feature Icelandic magical staves, adding visual interest and inviting illumination.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Inside, the reception area includes a cloakroom and lounge zone, crafted to replicate the feel of a spaceship. Creative lighting enhances the overall experience, contributing to a sense of immersion. Visitors move through corridors that serve as exhibition spaces before arriving at the café, which offers expansive views of the Hverfjall volcano and Grjótagjá caves. This thoughtful layout encourages interaction and engagement at various points in the building.

CINEMA AND FUNCTIONALITY

The cinema hall is central to the design, featuring a layout that allows for flexibility in use. The seating is mobile, enabling different arrangements for various events. This adaptability enhances the overall visitor experience. Accessibility is also a key concern, with features that ensure comfortable movement for individuals with limited mobility. An observation deck rises alongside the entrance, providing a vantage point for visitors to appreciate the surrounding landscape.

MATERIALS AND DETAILS

Materials contribute significantly to the overall atmosphere. Polished concrete is used throughout the interior, presenting a clean and modern aesthetic. The walls of the café are made from Litracon, a type of transparent concrete. This material offers both water resistance and interactive visual effects, creating a connection with activities happening in the adjacent cinema hall. The design reflects a harmonious blend of functional spaces and the natural environment, resulting in a setting that encourages exploration and engagement.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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