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Curvilinear Concrete Structure with Geothermal Heating and Natural Wood Accents for Recreational Wellness

Authors:
Andrea Sanchez Balleza, Rodrigo Garcia Piedra
Curvilinear Concrete Structure with Geothermal Heating and Natural Wood Accents for Recreational Wellness

Project in-detail

A curvilinear concrete form harmonizes with local geothermal resources and natural wood accents, creating a Beer Spa that emphasizes relaxation and community engagement in Iceland's Myvatn Lake region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design creates dynamic spaces that enhance visitor experience.
02
Geothermal heating is integrated to efficiently utilize local resources.
03
Natural wood accents counterbalance the concrete structure for warmth.
04
Terraces provide optimal viewpoints for northern lights viewing.
05
Community gathering areas encourage social interaction and engagement.

### Project Overview

ÖLKER is situated in the Myvatn Lake area of Iceland, characterized by its scenic natural environment. The project introduces a Beer Spa designed to serve both tourists and locals, merging aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. The architectural intent is to create a dynamic experience that highlights the area's natural beauty while integrating innovative design principles. The design philosophy emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape through an interplay of organic contours and structured geometries.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features a combination of curved and angular volumes, yielding a fluid spatial experience that encourages interaction and exploration. Public areas, including the entrance and bar space, are designed as communal zones that celebrate local beverages. In contrast, private areas for the spa provide tranquil retreats with secluded baths and relaxation spots, enhancing the overall user experience through thoughtful segmentation and orientation toward views of the lake and geothermal features.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Cast-in-place white concrete provides structural integrity while facilitating thermal regulation. Natural wood accents contrast with the concrete, contributing warmth to the interior environment. Double-glazed glass is utilized to enhance energy efficiency and maximize natural light, while geothermal heating systems integrated into radiant floors minimize reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The design also incorporates natural ventilation measures, strategically positioned openings, and skylights to optimize indoor climate comfort through passive airflow, underscoring a focus on ecological responsibility.

Through these design choices, ÖLKER defines a space that promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape while adhering to sustainable building 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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