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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enveloping a Brewery and Spa in a Volcanic Landscape

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enveloping a Brewery and Spa in a Volcanic Landscape
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the facility integrates into the volcanic landscape while housing a brewery and spa that promote both relaxation and local culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced volcanic stone and wood to enhance ecological integration.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Incorporates an innovative rainwater harvesting system for sustainable operations.
04
Design elements reflect unique Icelandic building traditions while promoting modern functionality.
05
The brewery includes interactive spaces for visitors to engage with the brewing process.

## Overview

The project, located in Iceland, is a multifaceted facility that includes a brewery, spa, and café, designed to engage with the volcanic landscape while emphasizing environmental sustainability and local traditions. The intent is to create a space that provides relaxation and community interaction within a visually compelling environment reflective of Iceland's unique geological features.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout is organized to facilitate an intuitive flow for visitors, with the ground floor accommodating brewing equipment, spa facilities, a reception area, public restrooms, and a dining area. The first floor features tasting areas, a café with a terrace, and large openings that frame scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Central to the design, the brewery fosters direct engagement with the brewing process, while the spa offers a tranquil retreat with natural materials and expansive vistas. The café complements these spaces by serving local beverages and snacks, further enhancing the visitor experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is carefully considered to align with local vernacular and sustainable practices. Locally sourced wood serves as a primary structural element, contributing to a low carbon footprint, while volcanic stone in the façade acknowledges the surrounding geology and enhances thermal regulation. The use of zero-kilometer materials, along with green roofs, promotes biodiversity and offers visual integration with the landscape. The building's design emphasizes energy efficiency, maximizing natural light and utilizing thermal mass to maintain comfortable interior temperatures, thereby minimizing environmental impact through renewable material choices.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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