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Reflective Lava Stone Pavilion With Sustainable Wood Spaces for Community Engagement

Author:
Junichi Nakajo
Reflective Lava Stone Pavilion With Sustainable Wood Spaces for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Reflecting the rugged beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, the pavilion’s unique combination of reflective surfaces and locally sourced lava rock creates an organic connection to its environment while serving as a vibrant cultural space for cinema and community gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion's design incorporates a logarithmic spiral, reflecting natural growth patterns found in Iceland's landscape.
02
Locally sourced lava rock is utilized for both aesthetic and thermal properties, enhancing environmental integration.
03
A reflective roof allows the structure to dynamically change appearance based on weather conditions and sunlight.
04
Sustainable wood finishes promote warmth while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment.
05
The open-air plaza is adaptable, facilitating outdoor screenings and social gatherings, promoting community interaction.
The Iceland Movie Pavilion is an architectural project that thoughtfully integrates the themes of cinema, nature, and Iceland's distinctive landscape. Representing both a cultural hub and a commemorative space, the pavilion serves to celebrate Icelandic filmmaking while offering a multifunctional venue for the community. Through its design, it not only highlights the island's cinematic heritage but also emphasizes the natural beauty that has inspired many filmmakers.

The pavilion operates as a versatile space, functioning as a cinema and an exhibition center that showcases both films and the history of Icelandic cinema. It effectively caters to a variety of audiences, providing both indoor and outdoor screening options. The open-air plaza is a standout feature, designed to facilitate dynamic film experiences amidst the stunning backdrop of Iceland's natural landscapes. By accommodating both traditional cinema settings and more informal social gatherings, the pavilion fosters a sense of community engagement, encouraging interactions and discussions among visitors.

The architectural design employs a logarithmic spiral as its guiding form, mirroring natural growth patterns found in geological features across Iceland. This spiral not only informs the overall layout but also enhances the flow of movement through the building, facilitating an engaging visitor experience. Various spaces within the pavilion are interconnected, allowing audiences to navigate seamlessly from one area to another. The cave corridor at the entrance provides a gradual transition into the pavilion, echoing the experience of entering natural formations and enhancing the thematic coherence with Iceland's landscape.

Materiality plays a significant role in this project, with an emphasis on utilizing locally sourced, sustainable materials. Concrete provides the primary structural foundation, promoting durability and thermal efficiency. Glass is strategically used to create reflections and visual connections with the sky, while the incorporation of lava rock and soil grounds the design within its geographic context. Sustainable wood adds warmth to interior spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the overall aesthetic.

One of the unique approaches of the Iceland Movie Pavilion is its responsive design, which acknowledges and embraces the dynamic Icelandic weather. The reflective surfaces on the pavilion’s roof capture the changing conditions, continuously altering the building’s appearance throughout the day. This interaction not only enhances visual interest but also reinforces the pavilion’s integration with the surrounding environment.

The pavilion achieves a delicate balance between functionality and environmental consciousness. By optimizing natural light and reducing reliance on artificial lighting, the design minimizes energy consumption. Furthermore, the architectural choices prioritize sustainability, aligning the project’s values with broader ecological goals, thereby showcasing a commitment to contemporary architectural practices that consider both the present and future of the environment.

Overall, the Iceland Movie Pavilion stands out for its intentional design that connects architecture with the natural and cultural landscape of Iceland. It invites visitors to explore both the cinematic and environmental narratives of the region, creating a space that is as much about film as it is about the underlying stories of nature and community. To gain a deeper understanding of this project and its innovative design strategies, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that detail the pavilion's conception and execution.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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