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Charred Wooden Shingles Complement Natural Stone in a Spa-Brewery Retreat Set in the Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Geoffrey Duclos, Elgoyhen Emma
Charred Wooden Shingles Complement Natural Stone in a Spa-Brewery Retreat Set in the Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, this Icelandic retreat thoughtfully integrates spa facilities and a brewery into its rugged landscape, promoting relaxation and cultural connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features large glass windows that frame panoramic views of the surrounding Icelandic terrain.
04
Includes dedicated spaces for cultural exhibitions, promoting local heritage and artistry.
05
Designed with geothermal energy systems for efficient heating and environmental sensitivity.

## Overview

The Iceland Beer Spa is situated in a rugged region of Iceland, embodying a blend of architectural design, natural landscape, and cultural experience. The project aims to create a dialogue between the built environment and its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the local terrain to reflect both heritage and contemporary design principles.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The master plan addresses user circulation by establishing defined pathways that guide visitors through the facility. The layout promotes intuitive navigation from the main entrance to key attractions, such as the brewery and spa areas. The incorporation of dual interlinked volumes encourages exploration within the space while serving distinct functions—wellness and leisure—without compromising accessibility. Public areas, including a central lobby and adjacent cafés, foster social interaction, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The building employs a distinctive material palette that resonates with the Icelandic landscape. Natural stone serves both structural and aesthetic roles, creating a visual connection to local geology. Wood elements provide warmth and contrast to the stone's rugged texture, while expansive glass surfaces invite natural light and frame impressive views of the surrounding environment. This thoughtful use of materials not only reinforces the connection to nature but also emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient systems and local sourcing. The interior environments balance contemporary design with traditional materials, cultivating a space that embodies rustic luxury.

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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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