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Charred Wood Roofs and Circular Forms Creating a Harmonious Spa Experience Overlooking Volcanic Landscapes

Charred Wood Roofs and Circular Forms Creating a Harmonious Spa Experience Overlooking Volcanic Landscapes
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Utilizing a charred wood roof and circular layout, this Beer Spa seamlessly integrates with the volcanic landscape of Lake Mývatn, offering a unique space for relaxation and social interaction centered around wellness and local brewing traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a circular layout to promote community interaction.
02
Roof integrates thatched grass to blend with the natural environment.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer durability while enhancing thermal performance.
04
Large panoramic windows provide unobstructed views of the volcanic landscape.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels create a sustainable, lightweight structure.

### Project Overview
The Beer Spa, named "Tengja," is located adjacent to the Sel Hotel in the Lake Mývatn area of Iceland. This facility is designed to create a communal space that merges wellness experiences with public traditions surrounding locally brewed beer. The intent is to foster interactions among visitors while enhancing their connection to the unique natural landscape of the region.

### Spatial Strategy
The design emphasizes a harmonious integration with the volcanic topography, drawing inspiration from the natural contours of the landscape and the forms of volcanic craters. Circular geometries facilitate the creation of interconnected spaces, promoting not just physical relaxation but also community engagement. Each area within the spa serves multiple functions, allowing for adaptability and growth in response to future needs. The internal organization encourages graceful transitions, optimizing visitor flow and enhancing the overall experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection plays a critical role in the design, reflecting the regional character and enhancing functionality. Key materials include durable concrete for the organic exterior shapes, warm wood for internal spaces to create a comfortable atmosphere, and thatched grass on roof terraces to echo the natural environment and support sustainability. The integration of sustainably sourced materials and energy-efficient systems underscores a commitment to eco-conscious design, aligning the facility with Iceland's environmental ethos. Large window openings and terraces facilitate views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, reinforcing the relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments while enhancing the therapeutic qualities of the spa experience.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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