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Charred Wooden Shingles Embrace Cross-Laminated Timber in A Sustainable Spa Experience

Author:
Alexis Marie Chastain
Charred Wooden Shingles Embrace Cross-Laminated Timber in A Sustainable Spa Experience

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber come together in a design that seamlessly integrates wellness and community in a contemporary beer spa experience within Iceland's unique volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic qualities.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction promotes sustainability and reduces carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient snow shedding and structural stability.
04
Extensive use of glazing maximizes natural light and connects interior spaces to the landscape.
05
A green roof integrates the building into its surroundings while promoting biodiversity.

**Project Overview**

The Common Crater is a contemporary beer spa situated at the Sel Hotel in the Mývatn region of Iceland. Designed to integrate with the local environment, the structure employs natural aesthetics and functional programming to enhance guest experiences centered on relaxation and leisure. The architectural approach reflects the region’s unique geology, utilizing locally sourced materials and organic forms to create a relevant and contextually appropriate intervention.

**Spatial Organization and User Interaction**

The layout of the building is divided into two distinct zones: the beer spa and hotel amenities. Each area is specifically designed to facilitate diverse guest experiences, from relaxation in soaking tubs to social interactions at the bar and café. This careful spatial arrangement promotes functionality while encouraging community engagement among visitors, reinforcing a sense of togetherness within the structure.

**Material Choices and Environmental Integration**

The material palette is thoughtfully selected to support both aesthetic and performance goals. Wood, used for its warmth and thermal efficiency, connects the building with traditional Icelandic architecture. Complementing this, raw concrete provides structural resilience and introduces a contemporary contrast. The implementation of a green roof enhances insulation and fosters a visual connection with the surrounding landscape, while extensive glazing allows natural light to penetrate the interior, offering expansive views of the craters. These design decisions not only respond to aesthetic considerations but also embody principles of sustainability and ecological responsibility.

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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
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