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Charred Wood Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Community Wellness in a Contemporary Spa and Brewery

Author:
Grace Taheri
Charred Wood Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Community Wellness in a Contemporary Spa and Brewery

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and robust green roofs, the design seamlessly integrates sustainable practices with the functional requirements of a brewery and spa that fosters community interaction and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and energy efficiency.
04
Integrates extensive green roofs to support local biodiversity and insulation.
05
Emphasizes communal spaces for social interaction in a tranquil setting.
Peaks of Embrace: Brewery and Spa presents a well-considered architectural design that connects with its Icelandic setting. This project integrates functions for social interaction and relaxation, featuring a brewery, cafe, and spa facilities. The design utilizes local cultural references while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsiveness throughout its implementation.

Community and Wellness Focus
The architectural design prioritizes the community experience, providing spaces that encourage socialization and engagement. The layout includes interconnected volumes that guide visitors seamlessly through various functions. The brewery and cafe serve as social hubs, emphasizing communal activities. The spa facilities are designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring spaces for massages, saunas, and baths that offer views of the surrounding landscape. This combination of functions addresses both recreational and social needs, making it a focal point in the community.

Sustainable Design Principles
The design adopts sustainable practices by incorporating local materials and innovative green technologies. Steel frames provide structural integrity, while local timber is featured prominently in the facade and interior finishes to reflect traditional building practices. Concrete is utilized for both aesthetic and thermal benefits, ensuring energy efficiency. The inclusion of green roof systems enhances insulation and supports biodiversity, seamlessly blending the structure with its natural surroundings. Large windows positioned throughout the building maximize natural light and create visual connections to the landscape, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Cultural Integration
One of the defining characteristics of Peaks of Embrace is its homage to traditional Icelandic architecture. The design draws inspiration from historical turf houses, known for their earth-covered roofs that provide warmth and protection in the region's harsh climate. This respect for cultural heritage is evident in the project’s form and materiality, ensuring that it resonates with local identity while meeting contemporary needs.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, interested readers are encouraged to explore details such as architectural plans, sections, and designs. Investigating these elements will provide deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that shaped the brewery and spa's development.
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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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