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Basalt Clad Sanctuary With Retractable Glass Dome Integrating Community Wellness and Natural Landscape

Author:
Junghwa Suh
Basalt Clad Sanctuary With Retractable Glass Dome Integrating Community Wellness and Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed from locally sourced basalt and integrated with a retractable glass dome, the spa harmonizes with the volcanic landscape to provide a serene wellness experience for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced basalt, reinforcing the connection to the natural landscape.
02
Features a retractable glass dome that allows for customizable natural lighting and ventilation.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while providing a unique aesthetic.
04
Incorporates modular furniture inspired by traditional Icelandic horse movements for functional flexibility.
05
Acoustic treatment elements enhance sound quality within shared spaces, promoting relaxation.

**Overview**

Located in proximity to Skútustaðagígar, known for its distinctive crater formations, Da Crater Spa’t integrates natural elements into its architectural design. This facility is intended to foster a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its surrounding landscape while promoting sustainability and community engagement. The structure reflects a commitment to both the preservation of local heritage and the enhancement of user experience.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**

The building features a semi-circular form that emulates the contours of nearby volcanic craters, creating a visual connection with the environment. Interior spaces—including locker areas, treatment rooms, and showers—are arranged around a central area, facilitating intuitive movement and interaction among users. Areas such as the lounge, reception, and gift shop serve as community focal points, enhancing the social experience within the spa. The rooftop terrace is designed as a versatile gathering space, equipped with modular furniture inspired by equine movements, allowing for dynamic use that adapts to the needs of visitors.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

A focus on local materials is evident throughout the design, with basalt lava rock forming the external walls, aligning the structure with its geological context. The interiors utilize oak wood derived from beer barrel tubs, contributing warmth and a tactile quality, while large glass elements in the dome provide natural light and a connection to the outdoors. Additionally, the incorporation of strategic acoustic treatments and climate control measures, such as textured slat walls and intentional staircase placements, enhances the internal environment, supporting both comfort and sustainability practices.

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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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