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Reflective Facades and Green Roofs in a Community-Centric Cinema Pavilion

Authors:
Rafał Chmielewski, Marta Utko
Reflective Facades and Green Roofs in a Community-Centric Cinema Pavilion

Project in-detail

The pavilion's reflective facades and integrated green roof create a dialog between nature and film, serving as a versatile cinema space that fosters community engagement and cinematic experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective roof panels create a continuous interplay of light and landscape views.
02
The pavilion's design allows for flexible use as both a cinema and community gathering space.
03
Soundproof curtains enable dynamic transitions between private screenings and public interactions.
04
A circular core houses essential technical rooms, maintaining an unobtrusive visual presence.
05
The green roof integrates sustainable practices while blending into the natural surroundings.

The Iceland Kaleido Scope pavilion is located within the beautiful landscape of Iceland. It is designed as a space focused on film and community interaction. The concept merges architecture with cinema, creating a connection between the building and the surrounding nature. Traditional cinema layouts are reconsidered here, as the central screening area is integrated into an open plan, promoting movement and interaction among visitors.

Conceptual Framework

The design draws inspiration from the features of a camera. The pavilion's facades are crafted to capture and reflect the Icelandic scenery. Reflective roof panels are used to create a kaleidoscopic effect, delivering a unique visual experience. This design allows the pavilion to act as a medium between film and nature, highlighting the relationship between these elements.

Spatial Organization

At the core of the pavilion is the cinema hall. It is framed by soundproof curtains that allow the space to adapt, changing from a private viewing area to an open gathering spot. This flexibility supports different audience sizes and promotes social dynamics. Surrounding the main hall, open public spaces include exhibition areas and informal gathering spots. The layout encourages visitors to move freely and connect with others.

Material Considerations

Material choices play a vital role in the pavilion's performance and appearance. The green roof is designed to withstand Iceland's weather. It includes layers for drainage, waterproofing, and thermal insulation. Corrugated steel filled with cement adds strength to the structure. These materials ensure durability and support the overall design goals while blending with the environment.

Design Detail

The circular core accommodates essential facilities, including technical rooms, a small café, and office spaces. This arrangement maintains operational efficiency while preserving visual coherence. Light and shadow interact with the reflective surfaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that changes throughout the day. Visitors experience cinema in a space that deeply resonates with the distinctive qualities of Icelandic 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
competition now

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