Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Engaging With Natural Elements Through Glulam Structures And Experiential Spaces

Author:
Manish Chaturani
Engaging With Natural Elements Through Glulam Structures And Experiential Spaces

Project in-detail

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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
Competition organisers

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy