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Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Glazing Harmonize in Icelandic Spa and Brewery Design

Author:
Zhaoyang Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Glazing Harmonize in Icelandic Spa and Brewery Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, the design merges contemporary aesthetics with Iceland's natural landscape to create a functional brewery and spa complex.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates geothermal heating systems to enhance energy efficiency.
02
Features a unique dual-pool design blending indoor and outdoor environments.
03
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles for weather resistance.
04
The bent A-frame structure aids in snow management and aesthetic appeal.
05
Offers expansive views of Mývatn Lake through floor-to-ceiling glazing.

### Overview

Situated along the shores of Mývatn Lake in Iceland, the project encompasses a brewery and spa complex designed to serve both local residents and visitors. The intent is to create a functional space that respects the natural beauty of its surroundings while promoting relaxation and recreation. The design integrates these two distinct functions through thoughtful architectural strategies, enhancing the site’s ecological and aesthetic potential.

### Spatial Strategy

The building features a split-level layout that optimizes the visual connection to the landscape, providing varying perspectives and intimate spaces for dining and relaxation. The ground floor includes essential amenities such as a café snack bar, beer tasting bar, showers, and changing rooms, catering to spa guests. The first floor hosts a wine tasting and craft experience area, alongside a restaurant that offers expansive views of Mývatn Lake, thereby enriching the dining experience with its scenic context.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials highlights the balance between modern design and traditional aesthetics, promoting sustainability and longevity. Wood serves as a primary element for structural framing and finishes, echoing Nordic architectural heritage. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows enhance natural light and connection to the outdoors, while treated concrete ensures durability and climate resilience. Additionally, slate roofing complements the local landscape while providing protection from the harsh elements. This material palette supports the building’s ecological integrity, ensuring it remains functional and visually cohesive within its environment.

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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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