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

Curvilinear Structure Wrapped in High-Pressure Laminate and Granite Amidst Volcanic Landscapes for Relaxation and Craft Brewing
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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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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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