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Floating Geothermal Bathhouses with Glass Walls and Sustainable Wooden Structures Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Author:
Meredith Guidry
Floating Geothermal Bathhouses with Glass Walls and Sustainable Wooden Structures Overlooking Natural Landscapes
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Floating on Lake Myvatn, these geothermal bathhouses utilize glass walls and locally sourced wood to create an immersive wellness retreat that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structures provide unique access to geothermal waters.
02
Use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Innovative bent A-frame design maximizes views of the Northern Lights.
04
Sustainable design integrates local materials to minimize ecological impact.
05
Geothermal heating system significantly reduces energy consumption.

### Project Overview

Located near Lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland, the spa resort emphasizes the integration of innovative architectural design with the region's natural landscape. The project takes advantage of geothermal resources, fostering a direct connection to nature while offering guests an opportunity to engage with the area's serene environment and the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Integration and Experiential Design

Key elements of the design focus on creating an immersive experience for visitors. Architectural forms are fluid, reflecting the dynamism of water and allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Floating guest houses highlight this spatial strategy, designed to rest on the lake surface and provide maximum visibility of the night sky. The Community Center acts as the focal point of the resort, featuring large glass walls that invite natural light and connect indoor spaces with the outdoors, promoting social interaction among guests.

### Sustainable Materiality

The material selection is intentional, enhancing both structural integrity and environmental harmony. Reinforced concrete serves as the backbone of the resort, ensuring stability while allowing for expansive open spaces. Large glass panels create transparency and facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The use of wood adds warmth to the interior while aligning with local building traditions. Green roofs contribute to insulation and ecological compatibility, allowing the structures to blend into the topography. The overall materiality of the resort reinforces its commitment to sustainability and the enhancement of the natural experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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