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Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Features Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience

Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Features Enhance Wellness Retreat Experience
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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.

Myvatn Nature Beer Spa is located in Iceland and integrates the therapeutic qualities of a spa with the cultural heritage of brewing. The design aims to establish a connection between the built environment and the unique Icelandic landscape, emphasizing "therapeutic bathing" through the incorporation of local beer production and natural geothermal springs. This dual-functionality facilitates both wellness and cultural education, allowing visitors to engage with the local traditions of beer-making while enjoying spa therapies.

### Site Organization and Elemental Design

The master plan features two main structures: a brewery and a spa, each strategically positioned within the landscape. The brewery serves as an interactive space where visitors can experience the brewing process, characterized by an open layout that encourages engagement. The spa area is designed to function as a serene retreat, incorporating beer baths and relaxation zones that blend with the natural environment. Key design elements include the brewery's educational focus and the beer bath building's integration into the topography, enhancing the visitor's immersion in nature.

### Material Usage and Environmental Considerations

Sustainability and local material sourcing are central to the architectural expression. The design employs natural wood for warmth and connection to the landscape, steel for structural integrity, and concrete for durability and aesthetic contrast. Additionally, green roofs are utilized to seamlessly integrate the structures into the surroundings while promoting insulation and fostering local biodiversity. The landscape architecture features gentle terrain variations and water elements to create a dynamic interaction between architecture and nature, ensuring minimal ecological disruption while enhancing both aesthetic appeal and recreational opportunities.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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