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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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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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