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Translucent Facade and Lava Trail Cladding in a Cultural Cinema Pavilion

Author:
Benjamin Gontkovic
Translucent Facade and Lava Trail Cladding in a Cultural Cinema Pavilion
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With a design that incorporates a translucent facade and lava trail cladding, the pavilion serves as a cultural facility for cinema while engaging visitors with the dramatic landscape of Lake Myvatn and the Hverfjall crater.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure resembles a projector, visually linking cinema with the landscape.
02
The pavilion features a translucent facade to enhance natural light and thermal efficiency.
03
Lava trail cladding provides both aesthetic appeal and acoustic insulation.
04
Interactive installations represent Iceland's natural elements of fire and ice.
05
Exhibition areas offer engaging experiences beyond traditional film screenings.

The Projector is located near Lake Myvatn and the Grjótagjá caves. It is designed to serve as a cultural facility for cinema while maintaining a close relationship with its natural surroundings. The building's form resembles a projector, which visually connects cinema to the Icelandic landscape and reinforces the concept of storytelling through imagery.

Site Planning and Orientation

The design includes a parking lot situated on the north side, intentionally separated from the main structure by original stones found on the site. This choice preserves the area's natural character and directs attention to the pavilion itself. The entrance is carefully oriented to take advantage of views of the Krafla volcano, creating an inviting experience for visitors.

Building Structure and Ecology

The building features a circular shape that promotes ecological efficiency. This design reduces the structure's environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience. Natural light floods the interior through a translucent facade, which also helps with passive heating. The cinema hall is constructed with reinforced concrete, ensuring stability and effective temperature control, allowing for a comfortable setting throughout the year.

Exhibition and Cinema Spaces

In addition to the main cinema, the design incorporates exhibition areas that encourage various uses beyond film screenings. These spaces provide direct views of Hverfjall crater and include options for short film presentations in a smaller format. An experience corridor, decorated with thematic props, creates an immersive environment that evokes cave-like sensations, stimulating engagement with the natural elements around it.

Unique Design Elements

The Projector also features interactive installations, including mini pavilions that represent fire and ice. These installations give visitors the chance to engage more deeply with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the cinema hall includes wall cladding that mimics lava trails. This design choice not only adds visual interest but also aids with acoustics, fitting well within the overall concept of the pavilion and the natural beauty of Iceland.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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