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Curvilinear Concrete Retreat With Natural Light Wells and Integrated Brewery

Author:
Jeonghyeon Kim
Curvilinear Concrete Retreat With Natural Light Wells and Integrated Brewery

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms of reinforced concrete and strategically placed light wells create a seamless connection between the interior and the Myvatn landscape, culminating in a multifunctional facility that combines spa and brewery experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design mimics the natural terrain of Myvatn.
02
Large light wells optimize natural lighting throughout the interior.
03
Integrated brewery offers unique beer-infused spa treatments.
04
Material palette includes zinc for weather resistance and aesthetic value.
05
Multi-level layout enhances user interaction with communal spaces.

## Project Overview
Located in Myvatn, Iceland, the architectural design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between built form and natural surroundings while maximizing the use of natural daylight. The intent is to create a spatial experience that engages visitors through light and contour, reflecting the region's geological features. The structure’s design promotes interaction with both the architectural elements and the dramatic landscape, effectively integrating the context into the overall narrative.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout features two primary levels that cater to various functions while facilitating movement and interaction. The first floor includes a café, souvenir shop, brewing area, waiting spaces, and spa entrance, designed to foster social engagement with a focus on comfort and functionality. The second floor houses more intimate amenities, including treatment rooms and outdoor terraces, which are arranged to promote privacy while allowing communal interaction, encouraging a comprehensive spa experience that remains connected to the natural environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The design utilizes a carefully selected mix of materials that resonate with the local landscape and contemporary construction methods. Predominantly, reinforced concrete forms the structural basis, providing stability and visual compatibility with the rugged terrain. Interior finishes incorporate wood for warmth, while zinc panels on roofs offer durability and weather resistance against the Icelandic climate. Large glazing systems invite natural light and frame views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring an immersive connection to the outdoors. Additionally, ceramic tiles and engineered wood contribute both to the aesthetic and the functionality of the spaces, enhancing the user experience while promoting sustainable design practices.

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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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