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Curved Concrete Pathways and Panoramic Views in a Beer Spa Integration with Natural Landscapes

Curved Concrete Pathways and Panoramic Views in a Beer Spa Integration with Natural Landscapes
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Winding concrete corridors and expansive glass panels seamlessly integrate with the rugged Icelandic landscape, creating a unique environment for a contemporary spa that emphasizes wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Winding concrete corridors mimic natural water flows, enhancing the user experience.
02
Panoramic glass panels provide uninterrupted views of the Skútusagagígar Craters.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to maintain sustainability and structural integrity.
04
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant façade that blends with the landscape.
05
The design incorporates an atrium with a sculptural installation reflecting local culture.

### Project Overview

Located within the Skútusagagígar Craters and along the shores of Mývatn Lake in Iceland, the beer spa is designed to foster interaction between built environments and their natural settings. The intent is to create an immersive spa experience that leverages the unique landscapes and natural phenomena of the area, particularly the auroras that illuminate the night sky.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The architectural form is characterized by a meandering layout that reflects the natural contours of the surrounding terrain. Curved lines and fluid spatial arrangements create dynamic visual connections to the landscape, enhancing user engagement by offering panoramic views of the craters and lakes. Upon arrival, visitors navigate a dimly lit, winding concrete corridor that evokes a journey through nature, heightening anticipation as they approach the heart of the spa. This approach fosters a multisensory experience, characterized by the warming aromas and inviting atmosphere.

### Materiality and Architectural Elements

The material palette includes concrete for structural integrity and a raw aesthetic, extensive glass for transparency and natural light, and wood in key design elements, such as water features and furnishings. The atrium acts as a central gathering space integrating various communal functions, while the relaxation lounge and beverage areas are designed to encourage social interaction and individual retreat. Treatment rooms are strategically positioned to take advantage of the external views, enhancing the overall tranquil experience. The building's navigation is supported by well-considered circulation pathways, including staircases and ramps that connect different spaces while facilitating exploration.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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

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