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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Integration in a Lakeside Wellness Retreat

Author:
Sijiu Yang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Integration in a Lakeside Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and geothermal systems, the design creates a sustainable lakeside retreat that seamlessly blends wellness and local landscape features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates geothermal heating systems to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic integration.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize views and natural light intake.
05
Integrates wellness spaces with direct access to natural hot springs, promoting relaxation.
The project "Myvatn's Eye" is an architectural endeavor situated near Myvatn Lake in Iceland. It encompasses a brewery and a spa, designed to harmonize with the surrounding volcanic landscape. The facility integrates a unique form language and a thoughtful material palette, enhancing the relationship between the built environment and its natural setting. The project aims to provide a space where visitors can relax and enjoy local culture while connecting with the region's geothermal features.

Contextual Analysis and Functionality
"Myvatn's Eye" serves as both a brewery and a wellness center, creating a dual function that enriches the visitor experience. The project utilizes open and flexible spaces to facilitate interaction among guests. The architectural layout is responsive to the site’s topography, allowing for fluid movement between different areas, including a restaurant, a relaxation lounge, and wellness facilities featuring hot springs. The strategic placement of large windows throughout the structure offers unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, drawing the natural beauty of Myvatn into the interior experience.

Material and Design Approach
One notable aspect of "Myvatn's Eye" is the careful selection of materials, which includes wood, concrete, and glass. This combination emphasizes durability while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of wood for cladding and interior finishes provides a tactile contrast to the robust concrete elements used for the structure and spa facilities. Glass surfaces facilitate natural light ingress, enhancing the spatial quality and emphasizing the connection to the environment.

The design features a fragmented volume, mirroring the rugged characteristics of the Icelandic landscape. This approach creates a sense of movement and encourages exploration within the structure while allowing various vantage points from which to appreciate the natural surroundings. The roof's angular forms are designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also to align with the geological formations of the site.

Cohesion with the Natural Environment
The architecture of "Myvatn's Eye" deeply considers its natural context. The structure is intentionally designed to blend with the volcanic terrain, aligning with the area's existing ecological features. Elements such as geothermal pools are seamlessly integrated into the design, enhancing the overall wellness experience.

The interaction between the architecture and its environment is reinforced through aspects such as the rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic views of Myvatn Lake and the surrounding landscape. This continuous engagement with nature encourages a reflective experience for visitors while emphasizing sustainability in design and function.

For further exploration and insights into "Myvatn's Eye," readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that detail this project comprehensively. Understanding these elements can provide a deeper appreciation of the thought and craftsmanship that define the architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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