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Timber Cladding Designed to Reflect Coastal Landscapes in a Cinematic Experience

Author:
Johny Vincent
Timber Cladding Designed to Reflect Coastal Landscapes in a Cinematic Experience

Project in-detail

Inspired by Iceland's coastal landscapes, the design employs cladding that resembles a sea pebble, creating a dynamic interplay with natural elements while serving as a dedicated space for exploring the history of cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the shape of sea pebbles found on Icelandic beaches.
02
The immersive room features seating that moves both horizontally and vertically.
03
An outdoor pool serves as a dynamic projection surface for film content.
04
Timelapse tunnels guide visitors through the history of silent and talking cinema.
05
Cladding design is influenced by traditional Drakkar boat hulls.

"THE LOOP" offers a unique journey through the history of cinema, designed to engage visitors in meaningful ways. The setting allows for a connection with nature while presenting an opportunity to explore key moments in film history. The overall concept centers around a circular pathway, guiding visitors through various milestones in filmmaking and technological advancements.

Design Concept

The central idea behind "THE LOOP" is to immerse guests in the world of cinema, creating a sequence of experiences that reveal significant developments in film. It begins with a drive-in cinema, inviting visitors to recall the communal nature of early film viewings. This setup establishes a direct link to the origins of cinema, setting the tone for the exploration that follows.

Spatial Organization

Moving through the space, visitors encounter a praxinoscope in the entrance hall, which illustrates the roots of cinema before the age of film. The journey continues through two distinct tunnels that provide insight into the transition from silent films to the introduction of sound. This organization of space fosters a rich experience, allowing guests to appreciate the technological changes that have shaped cinema over the years.

Interactive Features

A notable aspect of the design is the outdoor pool, which presents an innovative platform for engagement. Visitors can see moving images projected onto the water's surface, creating a blend between cinema and the natural world. This feature encourages audience participation, as the projection transforms them into active viewers. It also opens the door to spontaneous interactions, enhancing the overall experience of exploring cinematic art.

Architectural Elements

The materials and form of the structure reflect its natural surroundings. The exterior has been shaped to resemble a sea pebble found on Icelandic beaches, creating an organic appearance that integrates well with the landscape. The immersive room is clad in material inspired by the hull of Drakkar boats, adding to the maritime theme while reinforcing the project’s connection to cinematic exploration.

The design allows light to dance across surfaces, creating shadows that interact with the surroundings. This play of light contributes to the overall atmosphere and enriches the visitor experience, making each moment spent in the space feel unique.

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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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