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Charred Wood and Volcanic Rock Create a Sanctuary for Wellness and Relaxation

Authors:
David Balboa Gonzalez, Loredana Croci
Charred Wood and Volcanic Rock Create a Sanctuary for Wellness and Relaxation

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood cladding and volcanic rock, the design harmonizes with the geothermal landscape to create a wellness retreat centered around unique beer bathing experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates Yakisugi wood cladding for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes local volcanic rock for flooring, creating a seamless connection with the landscape.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that reflects the contours of surrounding craters.
04
Offers therapeutic beer bathing experiences using locally crafted brews.
05
Designed with adjustable ventilation to optimize indoor climate control.

**Project Overview**

Located near Myvatn Lake in Iceland, the Crater Beer Spa is designed as a wellness facility that integrates with the natural landscape. The project draws inspiration from traditional Icelandic houses and the unique geological features of the Myvatn region, aiming to provide visitors with a retreat that promotes relaxation while fostering a connection to the surrounding environment and local culture.

**Spatial Integration and Landscape Interaction**

The design of the Crater Beer Spa is characterized by its adaptive footprint that responds to the contours of the land. By emulating the irregular shapes of nearby craters, the structure maintains a dialogue with its geological context. Extensive shape analysis helped inform the architectural strategies employed, allowing the spa to blend into the terrain, ensuring that it complements rather than disrupts the natural topography.

**Material Expression and Environmental Considerations**

The selection of materials plays a critical role in both aesthetics and sustainability. Yakisugi wood, treated through the Shou Sugi Ban method, is used for the exterior, enhancing durability and warmth while resonating with local crafts. Volcanic rock serves as flooring, reinforcing the connection to the rugged landscape. Transparent glass elements are incorporated in the roofing and facades to maximize natural light and views, including the northern lights, while corrugated iron is utilized for its functional and visual contrast against organic forms.

To ensure energy efficiency and occupant comfort, the design incorporates advanced solar analysis for optimal orientation and seasonal light management. Adjustable ventilation strategies are integrated into the roof, allowing for effective climate control within the spa, enhancing the overall user experience while respecting environmental sustainability.

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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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