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Crater-Shaped Structure Utilizing Photovoltaic Sheets Amidst Icelandic Landscapes for Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Yuzuki Shibayama, Ryo Hamada, Yuto Kanazawa
Crater-Shaped Structure Utilizing Photovoltaic Sheets Amidst Icelandic Landscapes for Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

The crater-shaped roof, crafted from photovoltaic sheets, captures Icelandic solar energy while providing a serene spa environment that harmonizes wellness and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates photovoltaic sheets into the crater-shaped roof for maximum solar energy capture.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against the Icelandic climate.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity while promoting sustainability through renewable materials.
04
The building's orientation is strategically planned to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
05
An outdoor sleeping bath allows visitors to engage with nature while enhancing the wellness experience.

## Overview

The Sustainable Power Plant Spa is situated in Iceland and focuses on integrating functionality with environmental sustainability. The architectural design features a crater-shaped roof that not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also enhances energy production through solar technology. The intent of this project is to create a multi-functional space that facilitates interaction with the natural surroundings while promoting wellness and relaxation.

### Spatial Organization

The building's layout operates on multiple levels, with the ground floor accommodating various amenities including an indoor spa, treatment rooms, changing facilities, and a restaurant. The roof design optimizes both sunlight access and the placement of photovoltaic solar panels, combining practicality with visual appeal.

**Key Areas**:
- **Outdoor Sleeping Bath**: This area provides users with a unique opportunity to connect directly with the natural environment.
- **Restaurant & Bar**: Positioned to offer scenic views of the landscape, enhancing the dining experience.
- **Treatment Rooms**: Designed with a focus on relaxation, these spaces are inspired by natural themes intended to promote well-being.

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency

Materials chosen for construction prioritize sustainability and performance.

1. **Photovoltaic Sheets**: Triangular panels efficiently capture sunlight and convert it to energy, contributing to the building's overall power needs while harmonizing with the natural environment.
2. **Glass**: Used extensively to allow natural light into the building and frame views of the surrounding landscape.
3. **Concrete**: Serves as a durable structural element, providing thermal mass to help regulate indoor climate.

The energy generation strategy is projected to yield approximately 320,526 kWh annually, facilitated by the roof's design that optimally angles photovoltaic panels for maximum solar capture. This configuration allows the building to potentially support up to 99 households, addressing local energy sustainability needs.

### User Experience

The design enhances the wellness experience by fostering an immersive environment for visitors. Strategic window placement maximizes natural light and promotes well-being through interaction with seasonal changes. Social spaces, including the outdoor sleeping bath and the restaurant, encourage community engagement. The overall architecture emphasizes a dialogue between the built environment and the untouched landscape, creating a serene retreat for users.

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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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