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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Sustainable Brewery and Beer Spa Environment

Authors:
Martina Di Bugno, Maria Ruschi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Sustainable Brewery and Beer Spa Environment

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design embraces sustainability while offering a functional brewery and beer spa that enhances the local cultural experience in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs locally sourced cross-laminated timber for enhanced sustainability.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features an immersive beer spa experience that aligns with local traditions.
05
Integrates geothermal heating to minimize energy consumption.

**Overview**

"Natur-Ale Horizons" is located in Iceland and features a brewery and beer spa designed to engage visitors with both local culture and the surrounding natural environment. The project emphasizes an immersive experience, guiding guests through the process of brewing and relaxation while promoting appreciation for Iceland's brewing traditions. The architectural design integrates with the scenic landscape, establishing a connection between the built environment and its context.

**Spatial Organization: Diverse User Experiences**

The facility is organized into distinct 'crowded' and 'private' spaces to accommodate varying visitor experiences. Crowded spaces encompass areas such as the entrance, souvenir shop, café, and beer tasting sections, encouraging social interaction among guests. In contrast, private spaces include the beer spa, with dedicated staircases providing access to tranquil spa facilities. This spatial division ensures that the lively atmosphere of the brewery and café remains separate from the serene environment of the spa, thereby enhancing user experience throughout the building.

**Material Selection: Sustainable Design Approaches**

The project utilizes sustainable materials that reflect Iceland’s environmental values. Cross-laminated timber (XLam) serves as the primary structural element, valued for its low carbon footprint and thermal insulation properties. The external façade is composed of durable metal panels to withstand Iceland's harsh weather, while mineral wool insulation enhances energy efficiency. Additionally, the design incorporates a geothermal heating system and a natural ventilation strategy, allowing the facility to function with minimal environmental impact while ensuring visitor comfort throughout the year.

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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

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