Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Glass and Charred Shingles Merging Nature with Cultural Experience

Author:
Natalia Piśniak
Reflective Glass and Charred Shingles Merging Nature with Cultural Experience

Project in-detail

With its reflective glass surfaces and charred wooden shingles, this pavilion harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape while serving as a cultural hub for film and artistic engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass walls create a dynamic interplay of light and environment.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the landscape.
03
Bent A-frame design supports a unique spatial experience.
04
Gallery flooring integrates local vegetation for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
05
Curved structural elements evoke the natural forms of the surrounding geology.

The architectural project "The Upside Down" is situated in the scenic landscapes of Lake Mývatn, Iceland. This pavilion is designed to function as a cultural landmark and immersive experience center, blending cinematic storytelling with the surrounding natural environment. The structure's form and materiality are specifically engineered to evoke a connection between the visitor and the landscape, promoting a deeper appreciation for both art and nature.

Unique Concept and Functionality

The design of "The Upside Down" is inspired by cinematic narratives, encapsulating elements of depth and immersion typically found in film. The pavilion serves multiple functions including a cinema, an exhibition space, a café, and an observatory. These varied uses are intended to facilitate engagement with visual narratives while allowing for exploration of artistic expression. The interplay of light and structure is carefully managed, with a focus on enhancing the visitor's sensory experience through thoughtful spatial organization.

The architectural layout includes a gallery that transitions seamlessly from outdoor to indoor environments. The flooring mimics natural terrain and integrates vegetation, bridging the space between the building and its surroundings. The pavilion also features glass and mirror elements utilized to reflect light and create illusions of expanded space, further enhancing the immersive qualities of its design.

Innovative Design Approaches

A significant aspect of the design is its commitment to environmental harmony. The structure employs materials such as glass, mirrors, and concrete, chosen for their durability and compatibility with the local landscape. The reflective surfaces create a dialogue with the environment, minimizing visual disruption while allowing the building to blend into the natural scenery.

Water features are another notable characteristic of "The Upside Down." By incorporating glass elements that mimic water, the structure resonates with its site’s natural attributes. This attention to materiality and relationship with the landscape not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also deepens visitor interaction with the setting.

Accessible and Engaging Design

"The Upside Down" represents a merging of architecture, culture, and nature, showcasing how designed spaces can foster community engagement. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces encourages exploration and connection to the local environment while promoting cultural exchange through cinema and art.

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding of the project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall design can provide valuable insights into this unique pavilion’s approach to integrating architecture with narrative and environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy