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Curved Surfaces of Charred Wood and Glass Embrace Geothermal Wellness

Authors:
Minh Kỳ Dương, ĐÀm Duy Anh
Curved Surfaces of Charred Wood and Glass Embrace Geothermal Wellness

Project in-detail

Curved surfaces of charred wood and expansive glass invite visitors to experience geothermal wellness in a setting that harmonizes with the natural landscape of Myvatn Lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved surfaces of charred wood create a natural aesthetic that blends with the landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes space while enhancing thermal efficiency.
04
Geothermal energy systems power the spa's heating and water features.
05
Panoramic outdoor terraces allow for direct engagement with the surrounding environment.

## Project Overview

The Myvatn Beer Spa is located near Myvatn Lake in Iceland, an area distinguished by its geothermal activity and scenic landscapes. The intent of the design is to create a recreational facility that integrates with the natural environment while offering a unique experience for both locals and visitors. The architectural approach focuses on enhancing relaxation and interaction with the landscape, aiming to reflect the region's distinctive characteristics.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The design features a multi-level layout that supports various activities. The ground floor includes a brewery, a café snack bar, and changing facilities, effectively incorporating a central theme around beer. The first floor features additional lounging areas and beer bath facilities, designed to replicate the natural irregularities of the surrounding terrain. Finally, the second floor offers expansive terraces that provide panoramic views of Myvatn Lake, promoting engagement with the outdoors while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Materiality plays a critical role in the architectural narrative of the Myvatn Beer Spa. The building utilizes glass extensively in its façade, allowing natural light to permeate the space and providing unobstructed views of the landscape. Concrete elements ensure durability against Iceland's climate, while wood adds warmth to the interior atmosphere. Steel is employed for its structural integrity, allowing for an aesthetic that favors minimalism and visual clarity. This carefully selected palette not only resonates with contemporary design but also reinforces sustainable building practices, fostering a tangible connection to the surrounding nature.

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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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