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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

Project in-detail

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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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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