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Curved Glass Facade and Charred Timber Shingles in a Thermal Bath Retreat

Author:
Tong Le
Curved Glass Facade and Charred Timber Shingles in a Thermal Bath Retreat

Project in-detail

The juxtaposition of a curved glass facade with charred timber shingles creates an immersive environment that draws on its Icelandic landscape to enhance the thermal bath experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facility's curved glass facade provides unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles create an effective weather-resistant exterior while enhancing thermal insulation.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the structure's sustainability and aesthetics.
04
The bent A-frame design facilitates natural ventilation and light penetration throughout the interior.
05
Strategic integration of natural elements fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview

The Beer Spa Valley project is located in the vicinity of Lake Mývatn, Iceland, amidst striking geological formations, including the Skútustaðagígar pseudocrater field. The design intent is to establish a harmonious relationship between the constructed environment and the natural landscape, enhancing visitors' sensory experiences in alignment with the area's unique topography.

### Spatial Strategy and Design Intent

The project’s architectural strategy centers around the interplay between human activity and the surrounding natural environment. Inspired by Iceland’s volcanic landscape, the design emulates natural landforms while creating spaces for diverse functions, including a beer bath, a bar, and a storage facility for the brewery. This layout facilitates a range of spatial experiences, balancing communal and individual interactions. The structure features an undulating roofline that echoes the contours of the landscape, integrating the building visually and contextually.

### Materiality and Functionality

A careful selection of materials underscores the project’s design ethos. The first-floor façade primarily utilizes glass to maximize transparency and foster a connection with the environment, allowing natural light to penetrate and offering sweeping views. The second-floor incorporates wood, which introduces warmth and a cave-like ambiance, enhancing visitor comfort. Durable ceramic tiles are used for flooring in functional areas, establishing continuity with the site's natural textures. Steel components ensure structural integrity, crucial for enduring the region’s environmental conditions.

Overall, the design accommodates various visitor experiences. The beer bath area is arranged to support both private and shared engagements, while the bar layout emphasizes scenic vistas. The subterranean storage space creatively mirrors the brewing process, featuring walls shaped like bottles and warm lighting that contrasts with the outdoor environment. This thoughtfully constructed environment not only promotes relaxation and social interaction but also deepens the connection between visitors and Iceland's rich natural heritage.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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