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Volcanic-Inspired Pavilion With Precast Concrete Elements Fostering Community Engagement

Authors:
Costantino Enriquez, Santiago Lopez, Santiago Attias
Volcanic-Inspired Pavilion With Precast Concrete Elements Fostering Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A pavilion characterized by volcanic-inspired geometry and precast concrete elements creates a communal space for cultural engagement centered around cinema in the heart of Iceland’s landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pavilion design integrates volcanic geometry with a 15° angle to reflect the local landscape.
02
Central agora fosters community interaction through designated gathering spaces.
03
Auditorium located at the highest point enhances views of the surrounding terrain.
04
Precast concrete elements provide durability while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
05
Walkthrough experience guides visitors through a series of engaging and interactive spaces.

The Vogar Movie Pavilion is located in Iceland and serves as a cultural center focused on cinema. It is designed to connect with the natural surroundings and the unique geological features of the landscape. The building not only provides a venue for film presentations but also embodies a concept that reflects the region's identity. The architectural design relates deeply to the environment, emphasizing form and function while fostering social interactions.

Architectural Concept

The design revolves around creating a walkthrough experience that guides visitors through a series of spaces. It begins at an entrance that connects to nearby caves, naturally leading people into the Pavilion. This main pathway culminates in the auditorium, which serves as the heart of the building. Along the way, two plazas encourage moments of pause and social engagement, allowing users to interact with each other and their surroundings.

Geometric Expression

The Pavilion's design is characterized by sharp lines and precise angles. A notable feature is the 15° tilt that reflects the rugged quality of Iceland's volcanic terrain. This careful focus on geometry establishes a strong link between the built environment and the natural landscape, creating a shape that stands out yet fits within the setting. Visitors moving through the Pavilion will encounter varying perspectives, maintaining an element of discovery during their journey.

Material Selection

Materials play a key role in the Pavilion's design, influencing both appearance and functionality. Important materials include precast concrete pavers, extruded polystyrene insulation, a waterproofing membrane, an engineered concrete slab, and a grey carpet finish. These choices are made with the harsh Icelandic climate in mind, ensuring the building is durable and comfortable. Together, they create a welcoming interior that contrasts with the solid exterior forms.

Social Spaces

A central agora functions as a gathering area, promoting social connections within the Pavilion. The auditorium, positioned at the highest point, provides space for cultural presentations and remarkable views of the surrounding landscape. This arrangement creates an environment where cultural exchange is valued, reinforcing the connection between the architecture and the natural world.

The Pavilion ultimately features pathways and plazas that guide visitors steadily through the landscape and built environment, allowing for an immersive experience of Icelandic culture and cinema.

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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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