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Basalt Facade and Recycled Timber Enhance Thermal Spa Experience in Iceland's Unique Landscape

Author:
Yejin Jo
Basalt Facade and Recycled Timber Enhance Thermal Spa Experience in Iceland's Unique Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from local basalt and recycled timber, the spa utilizes thermal waters in a design that seamlessly integrates with Iceland's volcanic landscape, offering a unique wellness experience rooted in the region's cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from local basalt to reflect the region’s geological heritage.
02
Utilizes recycled timber panels sourced from nearby forests for sustainability.
03
Features a rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the landscape.
04
Incorporates thermal waters directly sourced from the volcanic site.
05
Designed with communal spaces that enhance visitor interaction and community feeling.
The Mývatn Beer Spa is a contemporary architectural project located in Mývatn, Iceland, designed to merge wellness and local brewing culture. This design features a thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape, utilizing local materials and innovative architectural solutions to create a unique visitor experience. The spa functions as a blend of a wellness center and a microbrewery, inviting visitors to unwind in thermal water enriched with local beers while enjoying the captivating views of the Icelandic natural environment.

Integration with Local Environment
The Mývatn Beer Spa distinguishes itself by emphasizing harmony with its environment. The architectural design employs basalt, a volcanic stone native to Iceland, for the façade, reinforcing a direct connection to the region's geology. The use of recycled wood in the interiors enhances the sustainability of the project while echoing local craftsmanship. The expansive glass surfaces allow natural light to illuminate the spa's interiors, providing unobstructed views of the scenic backdrop, including the Northern Lights, thereby bridging the gap between inside spaces and the natural landscape.

Functional Layout and User Experience
The layout of the spa is designed with both functionality and user experience in mind. The ground floor accommodates the brewery and a casual café area, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. This design promotes interaction among guests, enhancing the communal aspect of the space. The second floor hosts the main spa area, including treatment rooms and a relaxation lounge, which are positioned to maximize exposure to the surroundings. This spatial organization facilitates fluid movement throughout the building, ensuring an engaging experience for users.

Unique Architectural Features
The Mývatn Beer Spa incorporates several unique architectural features that set it apart from conventional wellness facilities. The circular form of the building represents unity and tranquility, reinforcing the community-centric theme. Additionally, the rooftop garden presents an innovative outdoor experience that allows guests to enjoy fresh air and scenic views while remaining connected to the spa services below. The double-layered façade not only provides insulation but also contributes to the building's aesthetic by creating a sense of depth and texture.

For those interested in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the Mývatn Beer Spa, an exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs is recommended. These elements offer further insights into the project’s innovative approaches and functional considerations, highlighting its position within contemporary architectural discourse.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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