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Geothermal Brewery Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles with Expansive Natural Light

Authors:
Leyang Ding, Tubohao Yang
Geothermal Brewery Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles with Expansive Natural Light

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and optimized for geothermal energy, the facility harmonizes brewing culture and art in the scenic Myvatn region, serving as a vibrant community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes open interior space.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and environmental sustainability.
04
Includes a spa utilizing beer-based therapies, merging wellness with brewing culture.
05
Utilizes geothermal heating, optimizing energy efficiency in the building's operations.

**Overview and Context**
Located in the Myvatn Region, the ArcticBrew Gallery functions as both a brewery and a cultural hub. This facility is strategically designed to engage with its natural surroundings, enhancing the visitor experience while celebrating the local landscape. By providing spaces for art exhibitions, public gatherings, and brewing activities, the gallery aims to attract a diverse audience, including tourists and locals, thereby fostering community engagement.

**Spatial Strategy and User Experience**
The layout of the ArcticBrew Gallery emphasizes open, interconnected spaces that promote visitor interaction and movement. The design maximizes natural light and incorporates views of the surrounding environment, creating an inviting atmosphere. Key elements such as the integration of brewing tanks within public areas encourage visitors to engage with both the brewing process and artistic installations, enhancing the overall experience.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The selection of materials for the ArcticBrew Gallery plays a vital role in establishing a sense of permanence and connection to the environment. Wood is predominantly used for structural components, offering warmth and a natural aesthetic. Concrete serves as a robust material for flooring and walls, providing durability and acoustic benefits suitable for public use. Extensive use of glass allows natural light to penetrate deep within the structure, while large openings create a visual link to the outdoors. Additionally, a commitment to sustainability is evident in the utilization of geothermal heating, ensuring energy efficiency in alignment with the region's natural resources. The introduction of a rooftop garden further enhances ecological awareness and supports local biodiversity.

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

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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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