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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Create a Serene Brewing and Wellness Retreat
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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