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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Serene Brewing and Wellness Retreat

Author:
James Edward Barnes
Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Serene Brewing and Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and laminated timber structure harmonizing with the rugged Icelandic landscape, the facility offers a uniquely immersive experience that combines local brewing traditions with wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that complements the surrounding landscape.
04
Central brewery design allows for direct guest interaction with the brewing process.
05
Integrates terraces that provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.

### Mývatn Øl Beer Spa Project Overview

The Mývatn Øl Beer Spa is located near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, designed to establish a cohesive relationship with the surrounding landscape and local brewing culture. This facility serves as both a therapeutic retreat and an educational space, presenting opportunities for visitors to engage with the brewing process and experience wellness treatments tailored to the Icelandic environment. With an intent to integrate organically with the existing topography, the project draws inspiration from both natural formations and the craft of brewing.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The arrangement of the Beer Spa focuses on interaction and sensory engagement. A central brewery space allows guests to observe brewing activities while fostering community connection. The design includes a dedicated beer spa area, intentionally separated to create a tranquil environment for relaxation and wellness. Extensive terraces enhance the user experience by providing panoramic views of the Skútustaðagígar craters, encouraging users to engage with nature and each other. The adaptable layout, featuring double-height spaces, supports future modifications, ensuring the building can evolve to meet changing needs.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Practices

Material choices for the Mývatn Øl Beer Spa reflect a commitment to sustainability and regional character. Laminated timber is used throughout for structural integrity and thermal comfort, while exposed concrete serves as a durable foundation. Extensive glass façades maximize natural light and incorporate vistas of the surrounding landscape, facilitating a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship. Weathered steel accents reference Iceland’s industrial heritage, lending a contemporary aspect to the design. Overall, the integration of local materials aligns with sustainable building practices, ensuring longevity and minimal environmental impact.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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