Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in