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Brewing Space Crafted From Cast Concrete With Expansive Glazing and Community-Centered Design

Author:
Eric Teng
Brewing Space Crafted From Cast Concrete With Expansive Glazing and Community-Centered Design

Project in-detail

A reactor-like structure built from cast concrete and expansive glazing harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape, creating a multifaceted brewing facility that emphasizes community interaction and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central circular opening mimics brewing tanks, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
02
Extensive use of large glass panels fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
03
The facility incorporates a wellness-focused beer pool designed for relaxation and socialization.
04
Materials like cast concrete and natural wood are chosen for their sustainability and integration with the landscape.
05
Community spaces are strategically placed to encourage interaction among visitors and enhance the overall experience.

The project "Reactors" is a nuanced architectural design located near Myvatn Lake in Iceland, which uniquely integrates the industrial aspects of beer brewing with community-focused spaces. This facility not only serves as a brewery but also as a social hub, offering areas for relaxation and interaction. The architecture embodies the brewing process by acting as a metaphorical reactor, showcasing the transformation characteristic of brewing ingredients while simultaneously facilitating user experiences.

The design includes a variety of functional spaces, such as brewing areas, social lounges, and wellness facilities. Each area is interconnected, promoting a seamless experience as visitors move through the building. The use of large glass panels allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a visual connection with the surrounding landscape, while raw concrete and wooden accents add texture and warmth to the environment.

Integration of Functional and Aesthetic Elements

One of the key aspects that sets "Reactors" apart from typical brewery designs is its innovative approach to merging functional spaces with aesthetic considerations. The central circular opening in the façade, reminiscent of brewing tanks, not only serves as an entry point but also reinforces the building's identity as a reactor. The overall form reflects practical operational dynamics of brewing, echoing the industrial rhythm that characterizes the process.

Moreover, the design fosters social interactions through well-placed lounges and bars, inviting communal engagement. The inclusion of a beer pool along with wellness areas is a unique element, enhancing the visitor experience by combining leisure with the therapeutic aspects of beer culture. This thoughtful integration of diverse functions exemplifies a holistic architectural approach that prioritizes user experience.

Material Selection and Environmental Context

The material choices play a significant role in defining the character of "Reactors." The use of cast-in-place concrete provides structural integrity and conveys an industrial feel that aligns with the theme of brewing. Meanwhile, extensive glazing offers transparency and creates a dialog with the external environment, allowing visitors to remain connected to the serene Icelandic landscape.

Wooden elements serve to soften the overall aesthetic, promoting warmth and comfort within the more robust concrete spaces. The addition of brass or copper fixtures in the brewing and bar areas highlights traditional beer brewing aesthetics, enriching the atmosphere while providing functional benefits. This careful selection of materials not only enhances the building's visual and tactile qualities but also fosters sustainability by incorporating elements that resonate with the natural surroundings.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the architectural nuances of the "Reactors" project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of its functional and aesthetic dimensions. The project presents a remarkable fusion of brewing culture, social interaction, and architectural expression.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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