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Curvilinear Glass Facade Enhanced by Charred Shingles for a Brewery and Spa Experience

Curvilinear Glass Facade Enhanced by Charred Shingles for a Brewery and Spa Experience
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Curvilinear forms crafted from natural materials, including charred wooden shingles and expansive glass, create a seamless integration of brewing and wellness functions, enhancing the visitor experience in a serene landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear architecture mimics the surrounding volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency while enhancing sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
04
An observation deck maximizes views of the adjacent natural features.
05
The design promotes both community interaction and individual wellness experiences.

# Analytical Report on the Fusion Integrated Beer & Spa Centre

## Overview

The Fusion Integrated Beer & Spa Centre is located in Ski-sútbr, Iceland, designed to harmoniously combine brewing and wellness practices within a unified spatial environment. The project seeks to engage visitors by creating a direct connection to the natural landscape, utilizing innovative architectural strategies and materials to enhance both functionality and user experience.

## Thematic Integration

### Spatial and Functional Composition

The layout of the centre is strategically organized into distinct areas reflecting various stages of the beer brewing process, such as selection, fermentation, and filtration. This thematic approach not only facilitates the practical operations of a brewery but also enriches the visitor experience, fostering interaction with the brewing craft. The design incorporates both wellness and brewery functions into a cohesive framework, ensuring that each area is purposefully integrated with the other.

### Architectural Response to the Environment

The building's orientation is designed to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, including the prominent Snow-Capped Mountains and Lake Myvatn. Its form adapts to the topography, utilizing curvilinear shapes that resonate with the local volcanic features. Large expanses of glass facilitate transparency and natural light, while outdoor spaces provide direct access to nature, enhancing the overall experience of relaxation and wellness.

## Design Elements

### Material Selection

The construction materials are chosen for their structural integrity and environmental compatibility. Concrete provides durability, while glass elements encourage light penetration and reflection of the natural scenery. Wood is prominently used in interior spaces to create an inviting atmosphere, balancing the robust exterior with a sense of comfort essential to both the spa and brewery environments.

### Functional Areas

On the first floor, key spaces include a brewery and a beer-themed restaurant, highlighting the brewing apparatus as a focal point for interaction. The reception and lobby areas are designed for visitor comfort, ensuring smooth transitions between diverse functional zones. The second floor is dedicated to wellness, featuring treatment rooms, saunas, and an outdoor hot spring area that promotes relaxation in a natural setting. Each element has been carefully planned to enhance the overall user experience while maintaining cohesion with the centre’s thematic intent.

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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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Competition organisers

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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