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

Authors:
Jie Liu, Wei Duan, Fangzhou Yu, Chengwei Liu
Curvilinear Glass Facade Enhanced by Charred Shingles for a Brewery and Spa Experience

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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