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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Heating in a Nature-Inspired Spa Retreat
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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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Enter an open architecture
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The Home of 
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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Competition organisers

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Prize Monetary award
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Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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