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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Heating in a Nature-Inspired Spa Retreat

Author:
Austin Mutter
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Heating in a Nature-Inspired Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with geothermal heating, the design creates a sustainable, nature-inspired beer spa that promotes relaxation and wellness within Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and weather resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and structural stability.
03
Geothermal heating systems utilize the natural landscape for energy efficiency and comfort.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while ensuring strong visual connections to the outdoors.
05
The sunken courtyard integrates outdoor elements, promoting relaxation and interaction with nature.

**Overview**

Located in Iceland, Brewscape Bliss is a nature-inspired beer spa that aims to create a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape. The facility is positioned on an eastward slope, allowing for an intuitive engagement with its terrain while showcasing Iceland's natural beauty. The design philosophy centers on providing immersive experiences that reflect the environment, integrating natural treatments and spaces for relaxation.

**Spatial Strategy and Organization**

The building's layout reveals a deliberate approach to spatial organization, promoting a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Distinct zones are assigned for various experiences, including brewing, relaxation, and communal activities. The site plan outlines a clear orientation that responds to the surrounding landscape features, enhancing views and facilitating movement throughout the facility. Public and private spaces are designed to accommodate both social interaction and solitude, aligning with visitor preferences.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives**

Material choices are integral to the architectural vision, with a focus on sustainability and environmental integration. Concrete provides durability and thermal efficiency, while wood enhances warmth and a connection to nature. Expansive glass elements are incorporated to maximize natural light and maintain visual connections with the exterior. Insulation materials are utilized to optimize energy use, alongside architectural features like radiant heating that leverage local geothermal energy. Water management solutions, including reflective pools, are designed to enhance site sustainability, aligning operational practices with environmental stewardship.

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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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