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Wind-Friendly Pavilion Featuring Stone and Concrete Integration

Authors:
Jeremiah Hawkins, Kyle Abney
Wind-Friendly Pavilion Featuring Stone and Concrete Integration

Project in-detail

Designed to harmonize with its Icelandic landscape, the Pavilion incorporates stone and concrete elements while strategically addressing wind patterns, serving as a multifunctional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to capture views of Hverfjall Volcano and Grjótagjá Caves.
02
Wind-responsive form enhances environmental integration.
03
Sustainable features include a green roof and rainwater collection.
04
Acoustical baffles mimic the aesthetic of auroras.
05
Construction utilizes durable local stone and concrete elements.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is located near the Hverfjall Volcano and Grjótagjá Caves. It serves as a community space designed to connect people and foster interaction. The design carefully considers its natural surroundings, with a focus on enhancing views of the landscape while accommodating various functions.

Design Concept

At the heart of the Pavilion’s design is a form that combines functionality and aesthetics. The theater is the largest space, determining the building's height and overall silhouette. This approach allows the structure to blend with its environment and incorporate sustainable features, like a green roof and rainwater collection. These elements reflect a commitment to both functionality and environmental responsibility.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes many different spaces to engage visitors. Offices, restrooms, a gallery, a viewing room, and a café are part of the plan. Each area is intentionally designed to support interaction among people. Informal gathering spots encourage casual meetings and conversations, making the Pavilion a welcoming destination for both locals and tourists.

Environmental Integration

The Pavilion's shape responds to the strong winds typical of the region. By carving the building to align with the north and south wind patterns, the design minimizes disruptions caused by the weather while providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Sustainable strategies, such as green roofs and water collection systems, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to environmental impact, allowing harmony between the building and its site.

Lighting and Acoustics

In the main gathering area, lighting is carefully considered alongside acoustics. Acoustical baffles enhance sound quality while creating visual interest with their illumination. They aim to evoke the natural beauty of the northern lights, adding an enchanting quality to the experience. This attention to detail allows visitors to appreciate not just the architecture, but also the interplay of light and sound in their surroundings.

The Pavilion features durable large stone and concrete walls, along with a concrete main floor. This choice of materials provides strength while connecting the structure to the local context. The overall design invites individuals to explore and enjoy their environment, encouraging a sense of community and appreciation for the natural beauty nearby.

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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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