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

Author:
Erhang Wang
Curved Concrete Pathways and Panoramic Views in a Beer Spa Integration with Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

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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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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