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Rammed Earth Walls Envelop a Glazed Space for Cultural Engagement

Authors:
Jon Fielding, Beduro Bae, Daniel Birdsall
Rammed Earth Walls Envelop a Glazed Space for Cultural Engagement

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls define a glazed structure that interacts uniquely with the Icelandic landscape, serving as a cultural hub for diverse community activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass and connect the pavilion to the landscape.
02
A glazed outer skin reflects varying light conditions throughout the day.
03
The green roof enhances biodiversity and improves energy efficiency.
04
The interior layout encourages a sequence of movement between diverse cultural spaces.
05
The design incorporates natural materials that resonate with Iceland's geological features.

The Movie Pavilion is located in Iceland and functions as a cultural hub for entertainment. Inspired by the Icelandic phrase "Raðljóst," which means "Enough Light to See By," the design emphasizes the significance of light in shaping experiences within the space. The architecture aims to connect with the unique qualities of the Icelandic landscape, reflecting its contrasts between volcanic and glacial features.

Sculptural Form

The building's exterior has an organic shape that resonates with the natural surroundings. This fluid form allows it to coexist with the landscape while adapting to the changing weather conditions. The use of a glazed outer layer enhances the connection with light, enabling the structure to interact visually with its environment throughout the day.

Interior Materiality

Inside the pavilion, solid rammed earth pumice walls provide structural support and thermal mass. This choice of material aligns with environmental considerations, offering a strong connection to the landscape. The walls add a warm and tactile quality to the interior spaces, creating an atmosphere that reflects both permanence and depth.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is designed to accommodate various activities. An entrance chamber welcomes visitors and leads to a café and restaurant where people can gather. The central area functions as an art and performance space, allowing for different cultural programs. The flow of spaces is thoughtfully organized, revealing one area after another and enhancing the experience of moving through the pavilion.

Sustainability Features

A green roof plays a vital role in the design, improving the building's energy efficiency while integrating it with its surroundings. This feature supports local plant life and contributes to ecological goals. By focusing on sustainable elements, the design underscores a commitment to living in harmony with nature.

The movement of light across the surfaces of the pavilion creates a changing atmosphere throughout the day. This play of light adds a different character to the spaces, inviting visitors to experience the building in diverse ways over time.

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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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