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Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Features Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience

Author:
RÓbert LiptÁk
Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Features Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and integrating geothermal springs, the design establishes a unique wellness retreat that merges local brewing traditions with therapeutic bathing experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features geothermal springs integrated into bathing areas, promoting natural thermal therapy.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design, maximizing structural strength while minimizing material use.
05
Highlights local brewing traditions through interactive exhibits within the brewery space.
The Myvatn Nature Beer Spa project, situated in Iceland, seamlessly integrates the concepts of relaxation, nature, and local brewing traditions. This project emphasizes the use of natural geothermal resources to create a spa experience that not only promotes wellness but also highlights Iceland's rich cultural heritage in beer production. The architectural design facilitates a unique visitor experience by combining brewery education with therapeutic bathing, offering a multifaceted approach to leisure.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The overall design features two primary structures: a brewery and a spa area. The brewery serves as an educational hub, where visitors can learn about the beer-making process. It includes interactive displays that enhance visitor engagement and understanding of local brewing traditions. The spa area offers various relaxation spaces, prominently featuring beer baths and saunas that capitalize on the therapeutic benefits of geothermal waters. This deliberate arrangement of facilities fosters a fluid movement between the brewery and the spa, inviting visitors to explore both aspects of the site.

The internal layout prioritizes openness, using large windows to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Key spaces within the spa include the relaxation zones, positioned to take advantage of panoramic views, and integration with outdoor water features that enrich the calming atmosphere.

Sustainable and Local Materiality

Material selection is central to the project’s identity. Locally sourced materials such as natural wood, steel, and concrete are utilized to create structures that resonate with their surroundings. The design incorporates green roofs, promoting biodiversity while minimizing the visual impact of the buildings on the landscape. This commitment to sustainable practices aligns with contemporary architectural trends that prioritize environmental sensitivity.

The use of natural wood within the interior spaces creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the connection between the built environment and nature. Steel components provide structural support while ensuring durability, integral for a project located in a tectonically active area. The combination of these materials reflects a practical approach to modern architecture, blending aesthetics with functionality.

Integration with Landscape

The project’s integration within the natural landscape is executed with precision. By embedding the structures into the rolling terrain, the design minimizes disruption to the local ecosystem. Elements such as terrain waves and intentional landscaping further enhance the connection between the built and natural environments, creating an immersive experience for visitors. This design approach distinguishes the Myvatn Nature Beer Spa from conventional spa resorts that often disregard context.

Each architectural detail has been thoughtfully designed to engage with the landscape, from the placement of windows that frame scenic vistas to the orientation of buildings that respond to prevailing winds and natural light. The visual continuity between exterior and interior spaces fosters a harmonious relationship with the site's geothermal features, embodying the essence of Icelandic nature in the architectural narrative.

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into the Myvatn Nature Beer Spa. Engaging with the specifics of this architectural endeavor can enhance appreciation for its unique approach to blending wellness, culture, and environmental stewardship.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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