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Crystalline Facades and Dimmer Glass Highlighting Wellness in a Thermal Spa Experience

Crystalline Facades and Dimmer Glass Highlighting Wellness in a Thermal Spa Experience
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Crystalline facades made from reflective glass and polished steel immerse visitors in a therapeutic environment that amplifies the serene beauty of Iceland's landscape within a dedicated wellness spa.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crystalline facades enhance natural light while reflecting the surrounding landscape.
02
Polished steel accents provide a modern contrast to the organic forms of the building.
03
Dimmer glass allows for variable light conditions, adapting to user preferences.
04
The integration of thermal elements promotes energy efficiency throughout the spa.
05
The design emphasizes visitor engagement with panoramic views of Iceland's natural beauty.

### Overview

The Ice Crevasse is an architectural project located in Iceland, designed to serve as a beer spa. Its design is inspired by the contrasting natural elements of ice and magma, reflecting the unique geographical features of the Icelandic landscape. The primary intent is to create an environment that enhances user experience by engaging the senses and fostering a connection with the surrounding scenery.

### Spatial Configuration

The design features an exterior characterized by geometric forms that evoke the appearance of ice cubes, integrating angular lines and crystalline patterns. This configuration not only refracts natural light but also emits a gentle glow at night, contributing to the surrounding atmosphere. Internally, visitors are welcomed into a dynamic atrium shaped by organic forms that encourage movement and exploration. Pathways are designed to suggest the flow of water, enhancing the overall sensory experience. The layout includes designated areas for relaxation, treatment, and social interaction, optimizing visitor flow while ensuring functional efficiency.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality is a crucial component of the design, utilizing glass, concrete, polished stainless steel, and dimmer glass to forge a relationship between the interior and the exterior environment. Extensive use of glass facilitates the flow of natural light, particularly allowing for the observation of the Northern Lights—a significant natural phenomenon in the region. Concrete serves as a robust structural element, while polished stainless steel accents enhance the design's elegance. Eco-friendly materials are prioritized to promote sustainability and establish a strong connection with the local context of Iceland. The inclusion of dimmer glass allows for customizable lighting conditions, offering flexibility in ambiance and enhancing engagement with natural light sources.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

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