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Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Heating in a Community Brewing and Wellness Space

Author:
Han Kuo
Charred Wood Shingles and Geothermal Heating in a Community Brewing and Wellness Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and geothermal energy, the facility integrates a brewing space with thermal baths, creating a community-oriented center that embraces the natural landscape of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes geothermal energy for heating bath facilities.
02
Transparent brewing area allows visitors to observe production.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and aesthetic integration.
04
The bent A-frame design contributes to structural stability.
05
Community spaces foster social interaction and local engagement.

### Overview
Located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, the Mývatn Beer & Bath House is a dual-purpose facility that combines brewing and wellness services. The design emphasizes a respectful integration with the surrounding geological features, fostering community engagement and enhancing the visitor experience. By leveraging the area's unique geographic attributes, the facility aims to create a space that highlights both traditional brewing practices and contemporary spa facilities while utilizing natural geothermal energy for heating.

### Spatial Organization and Experience
The layout of the facility is strategically organized across multiple levels to accommodate distinct functions. The ground level includes a café and souvenir shop, promoting a welcoming environment. The second level features lounge areas and a beer tasting bar, catering to social interaction and relaxation. The top level offers a viewing deck and outdoor bath, allowing users to engage with the landscape. Central to the building is a transparent cylindrical brewing area that invites visitors to observe the brewing process, fostering transparency in the craft.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The Mývatn Beer & Bath House utilizes a combination of locally sourced materials to enhance its connection with the environment. The façade and interior are predominantly finished in wood, imparting warmth and a sense of natural integration. Expansive glass panels dissolve barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing the relationship with the landscape. Durable ceramic tiles are employed in wet areas for practicality and ease of maintenance. The incorporation of geothermal energy not only supports the facility’s sustainability goals but also aligns with its identity as a wellness retreat, providing an authentic experience for visitors.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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