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

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Curved Glass Facade and Charred Timber Shingles in a Thermal Bath Retreat
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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.

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