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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Glazing Harmonize in Icelandic Spa and Brewery Design
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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