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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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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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