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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 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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