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Exploring Sustainability Through Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete in a Wellness Retreat
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades define a sustainable wellness retreat that harmonizes with the Icelandic landscape, inviting visitors to engage with both relaxation and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while reducing maintenance needs in a harsh climate.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial efficiency and manages snow load effectively.
04
Expansive glass facades maximize natural light and connect interior spaces with the landscape.
05
Integrated wellness features include communal hot tubs and saunas that promote social interaction.

### Project Overview

Mývatn-böð Beer and Spa is located in the tranquil landscape near Mývatn Lake in Iceland. Designed as a wellness retreat, the project prioritizes the rejuvenation of both body and mind, encouraging visitor engagement with the surrounding natural environment. The facility integrates wellness services with the essence of local Mývatn beer, promoting a holistic experience that reflects the unique characteristics of the site.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The facility layout is intentionally structured to enhance the visitor experience through a balanced distribution of communal and private spaces. The ground floor comprises shared amenities such as saunas, hot tubs, and treatment rooms, while the upper levels offer private relaxation areas. This thoughtful organization ensures a fluid circulation that accommodates both social interaction and personal retreat. Expansive glass façades create visual connections with the landscape, flooding interiors with natural light and encapsulating the surrounding beauty.

### Material Palette and Sustainability

The design employs a carefully curated selection of materials that embody modernity while referencing local traditions. Wood is utilized for its warm, insulating properties, fostering inviting interiors that honor local craftsmanship. Concrete serves as a durable structural component, adept at withstanding Iceland’s varied climate, while steel elements ensure robustness throughout the design. Sustainability is a key focus, with strategic roof designs for snow management and optimized window placements for solar gain, reducing the reliance on artificial heating. These considerations reflect a commitment to environmental awareness and the integration of natural elements into the architectural narrative.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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