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Transparent Dome Constructed with ETFE and Steel for Immersive Cinematic Experience

Authors:
Yelim Lee, Sangwoo Lim, Taehee Kim
Transparent Dome Constructed with ETFE and Steel for Immersive Cinematic Experience

Project in-detail

The circular cinema, enveloped in a transparent ETFE dome, seamlessly integrates with the stark Icelandic landscape while providing an immersive environment for cinematic experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design enhances communal viewing and reduces visual obstructions.
02
ETFE material allows for maximum light transmission while maintaining thermal efficiency.
03
Rotating elements in the dome provide flexible interior configurations for varying events.
04
Integration with the landscape offers unobstructed views of the Northern Lights during screenings.
05
Incorporation of natural elements creates a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
“Sanctum in Sanctum” is an architectural design project located in Eystriland, Norðurland, Iceland. The project features a circular cinema designed to blend cinematic experiences with the surrounding landscape. The prominent transparent dome structure is engineered to create a connection between users and the natural environment, enhancing the overall movie-watching experience and fostering a sense of community and interaction.

The primary function of “Sanctum in Sanctum” is to serve as a cinema that provides a unique viewing experience. Positioned strategically within Iceland’s scenic vistas, the design prioritizes immersion in both the filmic narrative and the elements present in the environment, allowing visitors to engage with the stories being told through a lens enhanced by the extraordinary backdrop.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the noteworthy aspects of this project is its use of ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) for the dome structure, which offers advantages in terms of weight, light transmission, and thermal efficiency. This material choice distinguishes the cinema not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its energy performance, aligning with sustainability standards.

The circular design is fundamental to the project, facilitating an unobstructed view of the screen from all angles, thus promoting an inclusive atmosphere for viewers. Rotating elements integrated into the dome allow for flexible interior layouts, enabling different configurations that can change the ambiance and engagement levels throughout various events and screenings.

Integration with Landscape Features

The architectural design emphasizes transparency, allowing natural light to flood the interior and providing an uninterrupted view of the external landscape. This design choice not only enhances the emotional connection to the outdoor environment but also allows the indoor experience to vary according to the changing elements outside, such as the Northern Lights or the varied weather conditions typical of the region.

In terms of layout, the project incorporates essential facilities that enhance visitor interaction, including an entrance reception area and a snack café. These features serve as social hubs for patrons to gather before and after screenings, reinforcing the conceptual focus on shared experiences within the architectural design.

“Sanctum in Sanctum” presents a thoughtful, immersive approach to cinema that blends architecture with landscape, elevating the act of watching films in a way that engages the audience more deeply with the environment. To explore this project further, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative architectural ideas.
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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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