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

Authors:
Erhong Lyu, Yatong Lv, Hao Chen, Yuxin Cen
Crystalline Facades and Dimmer Glass Highlighting Wellness in a Thermal Spa Experience

Project in-detail

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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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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