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Volcanic Stone Shelters with Turf Rooftops and Natural Connections

Author:
Antoni Soszyński
Volcanic Stone Shelters with Turf Rooftops and Natural Connections

Project in-detail

Constructed with volcanic stone and topped with turf, the pavilion enhances its natural surroundings while serving as a multifunctional space for cinema and dining.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local volcanic stone that reflects the region's geology.
02
Features turf roofing that connects to traditional Icelandic architectural practices.
03
Incorporates large glazed sections for optimal natural light and landscape views.
04
Designed with accessible pathways for ease of movement throughout the facility.
05
Multifunctional dining area adaptable for events and exhibitions.

The Cracked Movie Pavilion is an architectural design situated in Iceland, surrounded by prominent geological features like the Grjótagjá Caves, Hverfjall Crater, Krafla Volcano, and Myvatn Lake. It serves as a cultural center, primarily focused on cinema and dining. The design concept revolves around the idea of cracks, which shape the structure and guide the flow of space, creating a strong connection to the landscape.

Architectural Concept
The primary focus on cracks creates paths that enhance movement within the pavilion. These cracks are represented through corridors and a central foyer that links various sections of the building. This thoughtful arrangement allows visitors to navigate easily between the interior and outdoor areas, facilitating engagement with the natural environment.

Volume and Form
The pavilion’s design features two distinct types of volumes. The first type consists of polygonal shapes without windows, ensuring a sense of privacy. The second type includes large glazed sections with circular ends, which allow natural light to enter and provide views of the surrounding landscape. This contrast creates a balance between enclosed spaces and open areas, enriching the spatial experience.

Material Integration
Materials chosen for the pavilion reflect its location and surroundings. Local volcanic stone is used for its structural components, including blocks and unevenly cut columns. This choice evokes the region's geological characteristics. The roof is covered with turf, linking the design to traditional Icelandic architecture, while reused corrugated tin sheets in different colors provide an original finish, emphasizing contextual relevance.

Functionality and Experience
Inside, the cinema hall is designed to optimize viewing angles and sound, enhancing the audience's experience. The layout includes features that promote accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive environment. The dining area is flexible, with movable tables that allow for different configurations and uses. A bistro kitchen supports a menu focused on healthy meals, contributing to the overall visitor experience.

The design culminates in pathways that extend outward from the building, leading toward the borders of the site. Here, visitors can use binoculars to observe the nearby natural formations, inviting exploration and a deeper appreciation of the landscape.

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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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