Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Blend in Sustainable Spa Retreat

Author:
Francesco Scolozzi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Blend in Sustainable Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls, the design creates a seamless dialogue with Iceland's landscape, offering a unique spa experience centered around hydrotherapy and local beer.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local beer in hydrotherapy treatments.
02
Incorporates a sunken terrace to enhance natural light.
03
Features a semi-buried spa level to minimize ecological impact.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for optimal space utilization.

### Overview

The Iceland Beer Spa, located amidst Iceland’s scenic lakes and mountainous terrain, exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to its natural context. The design emphasizes an intrinsic connection to the landscape, showcasing functional spaces dedicated to leisure and wellness. The intent is to create an environment that integrates local culture with therapeutic attributes associated with beer and spa treatments.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Iceland Beer Spa is organized to foster community interaction and promote a holistic experience for users. The ground floor features an open reception area, treatment rooms, and a café, encouraging social engagement and ease of movement throughout the space. The basement level accommodates hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms tailored for beer therapy, designed to blend harmoniously into the site’s topography while minimizing ecological disruption. Additionally, sunken terraces are strategically included to optimize natural light and afford views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall spa experience.

### Material Selection

Material choices are pivotal in defining the spa's architectural identity. The design prominently incorporates transparent glass to promote natural lighting and visual connections with the environment. Concrete provides structural stability and a grounding effect, while natural wood elements introduce warmth into the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Local flora, including various plants and lichens, further strengthens the biospheric connection, reinforcing the concept of place within the structure's overall narrative. Sustainability is also integral, with the implementation of renewable energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and native landscaping, minimizing the building's environmental footprint.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy