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Exploring Sustainability Through Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete in a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Cesar Alejandro Bonilla Jaramillo, Diego Edmundo IbaÑez Velazquez, Arie Gross SÁnchez, Carlos Manuel Barbecho Mendez
Exploring Sustainability Through Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete in a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

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

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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

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