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Copper-Clad Retreat Featuring Natural Wood Elements and Integrated Brewery Experience

Author:
Julian Rincon
Copper-Clad Retreat Featuring Natural Wood Elements and Integrated Brewery Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with a copper-clad exterior and an emphasis on natural wood finishes, the design integrates a functional brewery within a wellness retreat that offers uniquely curated beer baths.
5 key facts about this project
01
Copper facade that reflects natural light, blending with the landscape.
02
Integrated brewery allows guests to engage with the brewing process on-site.
03
Beer baths utilize local ingredients sourced from Icelandic breweries.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while offering a unique texture.

The Iceland Beer Spa is a contemporary architectural project situated in the diverse landscapes of Iceland. It combines the functionality of a wellness spa with a unique focus on the cultural heritage of beer brewing. The design aims to create a relaxing atmosphere while providing an immersive experience that connects guests with Icelandic traditions.

The project encompasses several key areas: a beer bath facility, shower and changing rooms, a tasting bar for sampling locally brewed beers, and an integrated brewery. This layout not only facilitates relaxation and rejuvenation but also encourages social interaction among visitors. The architectural design prioritizes transparency through the extensive use of glass, allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Sustainable practices inform the material choices throughout the project. The exterior features a copper façade paired with tobacco brown cladding, harmonizing with the local terrain while echoing the natural colors of the Icelandic environment. Inside, natural wood elements provide warmth, complementing the contemporary design.

Integration of Brewery and Spa Experience A distinguishing aspect of the Iceland Beer Spa is its operational brewery, which enhances visitor engagement by allowing guests to observe the brewing process firsthand. This not only adds an educational component but also deepens the thematic connection between the spa experience and local craftsmanship. The design also emphasizes flexible spaces, accommodating various group sizes and personal preferences, thus enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Nature-Centric Integration The architectural design reflects a careful consideration of Iceland's unique geological features. By creating a structure that integrates seamlessly with the landscape, the project minimizes its ecological footprint. The asymmetrical form and dynamic rooflines enhance the building's visual appeal while maintaining functional spaces. This attention to the environment facilitates a serene setting, allowing guests to unwind in tandem with nature.

For a deeper understanding of the project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideations, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the Iceland Beer Spa. This exploration will provide insight into the innovative architectural ideas that define the project and its unique approach to wellness and cultural appreciation.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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