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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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