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Engaging with Natural Elements Through Glulam Structures and Experiential Spaces

Engaging with Natural Elements Through Glulam Structures and Experiential Spaces
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Crafted from sustainably sourced Glulam, the structure emphasizes a direct engagement with the Icelandic landscape through its crater-inspired design, serving as a multifunctional space that includes a brewery, café, and spa.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted primarily from Glulam, the structure offers enhanced sustainability through efficient use of timber.
02
The design incorporates crater-inspired forms that echo the local volcanic landscape.
03
Unique wellness offerings include beer baths, utilizing local brewing products.
04
Multiple levels of outdoor terraces provide unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery.
05
The interactive brewery allows visitors to engage with the brewing process directly.

### Project Overview
Sel's Crater is located in Iceland and is designed as a multifunctional facility that encompasses hospitality, leisure, and utility. The structure responds to the site’s geological features, specifically the craters that characterize the landscape, influencing both its architectural form and functional arrangement. The building integrates a brewery, café, souvenir shop, and spa, alongside various terraces, creating a setting that encourages interaction with the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement
The design emphasizes user experience through interactive spaces and social connectivity. The brewery serves as a focal point, allowing visitors to engage with the brewing process, thereby fostering a dynamic relationship between patrons and the facility. Outdoor terraces are strategically positioned to offer sweeping views of the landscape, promoting enjoyment of the natural beauty. The spatial arrangement further supports diverse activities, ensuring that areas designated for relaxation and social interaction are readily accessible and well-defined.

### Materiality and Structural Design
The building incorporates Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) and concrete masonry, balancing modern aesthetic principles with traditional Icelandic materials. The exterior facade features decorative patterns that echo the natural formations of the area, reinforcing the connection between the structure and its environment. The spacious outdoor decks utilize reinforced glass and metal railings, ensuring visibility while maintaining safety. The thematic design elements, such as the building's silhouette reminiscent of volcanic craters, not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to functional aspects like water drainage and temperature regulation.

### Layout Considerations
The layout efficiently organizes functional areas across multiple levels. The ground level hosts the brewery and café, offering direct access to outdoor terraces. Upper floors are dedicated to spa facilities and additional terraces, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere distinct from the social vibrancy of the main level. Essential services are housed in the basement, reflecting a strategic approach to maximize the usable space above while accommodating necessary mechanical systems.

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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.

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