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Curvilinear Structure Wrapped in High-Pressure Laminate and Granite Amidst Volcanic Landscapes for Relaxation and Craft Brewing

Author:
Dolly Bursheh
Curvilinear Structure Wrapped in High-Pressure Laminate and Granite Amidst Volcanic Landscapes for Relaxation and Craft Brewing

Project in-detail

Wrap-around beer baths constructed from durable high-pressure laminate and integrated into a curvilinear timber and granite structure create an immersive wellness experience that connects visitors to the surrounding Icelandic landscape through craft brewing and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Beer baths are integrated with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
02
Curvilinear design allows for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions throughout the facility.
03
High-pressure laminate panels provide durability while mimicking natural textures.
04
Timber elements include locally sourced materials that enhance sustainability.
05
A central courtyard floods the spa with natural light, promoting a serene atmosphere.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Iceland Beer Spa

### Overview

Located in the volcanic landscape of the Stuttsdag Craters in Iceland, the Iceland Beer Spa project integrates innovative architectural design with its striking natural environment. The intent of the project is to foster exploration and engagement with the geological features of the area while providing a unique spa experience. The architectural scheme promotes a sense of adventure by drawing visitors through a carefully curated spatial journey that reflects the region’s rugged beauty.

### Building Form and User Interaction

The structure features a double-volume design that enhances spaciousness and creates visual openness throughout the facility. A curvilinear layout facilitates movement and interaction among different spaces, with panoramic viewing areas that connect visitors to the surrounding wilderness. The brewery display serves as a central feature, providing visibility from multiple vantage points to engage guests with the brewing process.

Individual and group bathing areas are strategically positioned to balance privacy with communal experiences, while reception, lounge, and retail areas are arranged to encourage socialization. Additionally, the design prioritizes intuitive access to treatment rooms and changing facilities, promoting a seamless user experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to harmonizing with the natural landscape while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the spa. High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) offers durability, while extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and visual connections to the outdoors. Timber is incorporated throughout the interior to evoke warmth and comfort, characteristic of spa environments.

Structural elements utilize aluminum to introduce modernity, contrasting with organic materials such as natural stone and granite that reinforce the connection to Iceland’s geological heritage. Notably, the oval enclosure housing the beer baths optimizes acoustics and promotes an intimate atmosphere, alongside a centrally located courtyard that invites natural light into the facility. The spiral staircase elegantly links different levels, while outdoor terraces provide further engagement with the breathtaking surroundings.

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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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