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Reflective Surfaces Framing Scenic Views in a Community Pavilion

Authors:
Rafał Chmielewski, Marta Utko
Reflective Surfaces Framing Scenic Views in a Community Pavilion

Project in-detail

Reflective surfaces create dynamic interactions with the picturesque Icelandic landscape in a pavilion designed for community film screenings and cultural exhibitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective roof panels enhance the interaction between the pavilion and its landscape.
02
An open-plan layout centers the auditorium, promoting community engagement.
03
Soundproof curtains provide flexibility for diverse events within the space.
04
The circular core discreetly houses technical facilities, maintaining a clean aesthetic.
05
The design integrates natural light to create dynamic atmosphere variations throughout the day.

The Iceland Kaleido Scope pavilion is located in the striking landscape of Iceland, serving as a cultural center focused on film. Its design takes inspiration from the concept of a camera, blending architectural form with cinematic principles. This structure frames the scenic vistas around it and embodies the ways that images are captured and displayed in film.

Design Concept

The pavilion features a consistent cubature and reflective surfaces that play an important role in its visual appeal. The reflective roof panels are essential to the design, creating dynamic interactions between the building and the natural environment. This relationship encourages visitors to experience both the art of cinema and the beauty of the landscape.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the pavilion breaks away from traditional cinema halls. The auditorium is intentionally placed at the center, making it the main focus of the space. Surrounding areas are designed to foster interaction and community involvement. Soundproof curtains are included, allowing the auditorium to transform for different functions, whether for intimate screenings or larger gatherings.

Technical Integration

The circular core of the pavilion contains technical rooms, backup facilities, and a café. These elements are carefully designed to blend into the overall structure, ensuring they do not distract from the visitor experience. This approach prioritizes functionality while maintaining a coherent design throughout the space.

The light and reflection playing across the pavilion’s surfaces create a rich atmosphere. These changing elements highlight both the architectural form and the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to engage with their environment in a new 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
competition now

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