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Charred Timber Facade and Expansive Glass Illuminate a Relaxation Hub in a Scenic Landscape

Authors:
Gaia Aoun, Mussa Sarkis El-zein
Charred Timber Facade and Expansive Glass Illuminate a Relaxation Hub in a Scenic Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing a charred timber facade and expansive glass elements, the facility merges modern wellness experiences with local brewing traditions, creating a unique spa destination surrounded by natural landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a charred timber facade for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features expansive glass openings to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Integrates a bent A-frame design to facilitate effective water drainage and add visual interest.
05
Combines wellness facilities with brewery elements, promoting local cultural engagement.

## Project Overview
The Sel Beer Spa is situated in a tranquil landscape characterized by rolling hills and a scenic water body. This two-story facility aims to provide a dual focus on wellness and recreation while enhancing the cultural significance of the surrounding area. The design emphasizes the relationship between constructed forms and the natural environment, ensuring that both functionality and aesthetics coexist meaningfully.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout of the Sel Beer Spa is organized into two primary zones: the brewery and the wellness area. The therapeutic beer baths, alongside a variety of relaxation facilities, create an immersive experience tailored to promote mental and physical rejuvenation. The flow of visitors is carefully planned to ensure connectivity among different sections of the building, allowing for an engaging experience while maintaining a degree of privacy, particularly in treatment areas. Large east-facing windows leverage natural light and scenic views, fostering an environment of tranquility and enhancing the interactions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

## Material and Structural Considerations
The material selection significantly contributes to the building's overall character. Concrete is employed for its structural integrity and minimalist aesthetics, while extensive glass paneling invites natural light and connects the building with its exterior context. Wood elements are incorporated to add warmth and sensory appeal, complementing the wellness focus. The building's pitched roof design enhances space efficiency for the brewery while directing water drainage effectively. The interior is arranged to maximize functionality, with distinct areas for reception, the brewery, a restaurant, and various treatment rooms, all designed to facilitate smooth movement and interaction among visitors.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the design, underscored by the integration of solar panels and a commitment to using renewable materials wherever feasible. The careful selection of insulation materials minimizes energy consumption, contributing to the overall efficiency of the building.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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