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Turf Roof and Circular Columns Creating Connection to Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Kyara patricia Márquez benita, Diego alan Fabela rivas, Airam Gutiérrez almanza, Gabriela giselle Bonilla gómez
Turf Roof and Circular Columns Creating Connection to Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

A turf roof and circular columns establish a strong connection to the Icelandic landscape, creating an interactive pavilion dedicated to the celebration of local cinema and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Turf roof integrates traditional Icelandic building techniques.
02
Circular columns enhance structural stability while promoting openness.
03
Interior layout encourages fluid movement between functional spaces.
04
Lighting design mimics the northern lights to enrich visitor experience.
05
The pavilion serves as both a cinema and a community gathering space.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is designed to showcase the evolution of Icelandic cinema while reflecting the country's unique geography and culture. Located amidst Iceland's varied landscapes, the pavilion serves as a space for film and community activities. The design draws from the recognizable form of volcanoes, which connects the structure to the natural elements of the region. This concept reinforces the idea of blending natural and urban environments, creating a venue that is both functional and expressive.

Form and Structure

The shape of the pavilion resembles a volcano, linking it visually to Iceland's dramatic terrain. This design choice creates a single volume that encourages visitors to explore freely. There are no traditional walls to divide spaces, promoting interaction and movement. Circular columns are central to the structure, providing the necessary support while ensuring an open feel inside.



Spatial Organization

Inside, the pavilion features a layout designed for easy navigation and engagement. Important areas such as "The Cave," a cinema theatre, and food court facilities are arranged to invite movement. This setup allows different functions to flow into one another, highlighting the connections inherent in Icelandic culture. Visitors can easily transition from watching films to enjoying food, creating a lively atmosphere.



Materiality

Material choices are integral to the pavilion’s identity. A turf roof reflects traditional Icelandic building methods, helping the structure blend with its surroundings. Steel beams and circular columns work together to provide stability while aligning with the overall design concept. The materials used are carefully selected to emphasize the connection to the local environment and heritage.



Sensory Experience

Lighting inside the pavilion is designed to evoke the northern lights, adding depth to the visitor experience. This creative approach enhances the architectural features and adds an element of wonder. The interplay of light and space encourages visitors to engage with their surroundings and consider the stories embedded in the design. Overall, the pavilion becomes a place where culture, nature, and cinema come together. The thoughtful integration of sensory experiences creates an environment that resonates with those who pass through.

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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

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