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Charred Wooden Shingles Enfold a Cylindrical Spa Blending with Volcanic Landscapes

Author:
Kailas Moorthy
Charred Wooden Shingles Enfold a Cylindrical Spa Blending with Volcanic Landscapes

Project in-detail

Enveloped in charred wooden shingles and shaped as a cylindrical form, the spa harmonizes with the volcanic landscape of Iceland, offering a seamless blend of wellness and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cylindrical form is designed to resemble the surrounding volcanic craters, enhancing the visual connection to the landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and blend naturally with the regional ecology, minimizing environmental impact.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction while ensuring structural integrity and sustainability.
04
An infinity pool located on the roof allows for unobstructed views of the Icelandic landscape, creating a unique recreational experience.
05
The inclusion of a brewery space emphasizes community gathering, distinguishing the facility from typical spa designs.

### Overview

Located in the Skútustaðagígar region of Iceland, the ÖL-SPA project is designed to harmonize with its striking natural landscape characterized by craters, lakes, and volcanic features. The architectural form reflects the local topography, aiming to integrate human activity with the surrounding environment while providing spaces for wellness and social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The primary structure adopts a cylindrical form with sloped roofs and a facade of blackened timber and glass, enhancing its connection to the geological features of the area. Large expanses of glass optimize views of the landscape, allowing natural light to enter and creating an immersive experience for guests. Thoughtfully designed entries function as transitional spaces, employing mirrored glass to reflect the outside environment while inviting visitors into the spa.

Internally, ÖL-SPA encompasses diverse spaces dedicated to wellness and community engagement. The softly illuminated infinity pool on the roof provides an intimate setting for relaxation, with views overlooking Myvatn Lake. A centrally located brewery and social area fosters gathering and connection, complemented by a layout that carefully differentiates between public and private zones to enhance the user experience.

### Material Use and Sustainability

The construction prioritizes ethical and locally sourced materials, including timber, which reinforces the linkage to nature, and mirrored glass, which enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Corrugated metal roofing adds durability and mimics the natural terrain, while volcanic rock is utilized in landscaping to echo the area's geological character. This emphasis on materials aligns with a commitment to sustainability and reflects the principles of bio-architecture, ensuring the design responds adaptively to seasonal changes and environmental conditions inherent to Iceland.

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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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