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Reflective Ice Cubes Shaping Visitor Experiences in Icelandic Landscapes

Authors:
Bora Ozkus, Berat ege Göktepe, Hakan Ecun, Burak Baran Toparlı
Reflective Ice Cubes Shaping Visitor Experiences in Icelandic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Inspired by the concept of ice cubes, a reflective white volume serves as the centerpiece of a cultural pavilion in Iceland, creating an immersive environment for community engagement through film and art.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective ice cube design enhances light interaction and visibility.
02
Integrates natural caves into the entrance experience.
03
Pathways feature tactile surfaces that mimic surrounding textures.
04
Roof bar imitates sunlight reflecting off ice for ambient effects.
05
Wide gallery spaces promote social interaction and community engagement.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is located in Iceland, where natural beauty and cultural exploration meet. It serves as a space for visitors to engage with the artistic representation of the country’s landscapes while enjoying film and other community activities. The design is inspired by the idea of ice cubes, reflecting the icy environment that defines much of Iceland.

Architectural Form

The pavilion takes on a cubic shape, closely resembling an ice cube. This form evokes the characteristics of ice, presenting shiny, transparent surfaces that interact with the light. A central feature is the ice reflector, which presents a non-transparent, reflective white surface that captures the essence of ice while adding a striking visual element. Together, these elements create a strong connection to the natural world outside.

Spatial Organization

Thoughtful planning of the internal layout promotes easy movement for visitors. The design incorporates caves that exist in the surrounding area, influencing the entrance and pathways. Visitors approach from a car park and proceed along a gently sloping ramp that leads them into the building. This approach sets the tone for a journey through the pavilion, allowing guests to feel connected to both the architecture and the landscape.

Interior Experience

Inside, the pavilion features an information area designed to welcome guests, akin to a curtain revealing a performance. Beyond this point lies the ice reflector, drawing attention and interest. The layout includes wide gallery spaces that encourage social interaction, making it easy for visitors to explore. Pathways leading to the cinema are dark and textured, echoing the natural materials found in the caves outside. This tactile experience enhances the connection between the built space and the outdoor environment.

Luminous Elements

At the end of the visitor's journey is a roof bar that provides a place to unwind. This area is illuminated to mimic the effect of sunlight reflecting on ice, creating a warm contrast to the darker pathways of the pavilion. This careful use of light and shadow helps shape the overall atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience the relationship between architecture and nature in a clear and engaging way.

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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
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