Architecture project // Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Integration Create a Unique Brewing and Relaxation Experience by the Lake

Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Integration Create a Unique Brewing and Relaxation Experience by the Lake

Author:

Kohei Kuromiya

The combination of charred wooden shingles and concrete harmonizes with the Lake Mývatn landscape, creating a functional brewery and relaxation space that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.

5 key facts about this project

Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic that blends with the landscape.

Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to sustainability and structural efficiency.

A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and complements the surrounding environment.

The brewery includes educational facilities to promote local brewing techniques and community engagement.

Integrated landscaping supports local biodiversity while creating inviting outdoor spaces for visitors.

General keywords

iceland brewery relaxation beer thermal lake community sustainability landscape shadows

Project specific keywords

mvatn thermal baths concrete transparency eco-integration shadow play brewing technology landscape architecture indigenous flora community engagement

### Project Overview

Located adjacent to the Sel Hotel on the shores of Lake Mývatn in Iceland, the brewery and beer bath design emphasizes a connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. The intent is to foster integration with the surroundings, utilizing the site's unique geographic characteristics to inform the architectural strategy.

### Contextual Integration

The project seeks to dissolve the conventional boundaries between architecture and nature through thoughtful landscape manipulation. By considering the local topography and existing ecological systems, the design reinterprets space to enhance the relationship between built forms and their environment. Special attention is given to light and shadow, with design elements that not only highlight these dynamics but also incorporate philosophical reflections drawn from literary sources, thereby enriching the spatial experience.

### Materiality and Functionality

A pragmatic approach to material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and environmental context. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability, while wood introduces warmth into interior and exterior areas. Extensive use of glass promotes transparency, facilitating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The program includes dedicated brewery facilities for beer production coupled with educational components, alongside restorative beer bath areas designed for relaxation that leverage the natural thermal properties of the site.

The design incorporates various distinct architectural features such as a centrally located tower, which acts as both a visual focal point and a functional element, providing views of the lake and serving as a sundial through strategically positioned recesses. Open green spaces extend from the brewery, promoting social interaction and integrating with the local habitat to embed ecological awareness. The play of light and shadow is intricately designed to enhance user experiences in different areas throughout the day, fostering a conducive atmosphere for leisure and reflection while respecting the biodiversity of the Mývatn region.