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Geothermal Retreat Crafted from Timber Cladding and Expansive Glass Panoramas

Author:
Adam Ethan Piacentini
Geothermal Retreat Crafted from Timber Cladding and Expansive Glass Panoramas

Project in-detail

Built with a distinctive F-shaped design and enhanced by timber cladding and large glass windows, the facility offers a seamless connection to the geothermal landscape while serving as a brewery and wellness spa for visitors seeking relaxation and local culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with an F-shaped layout to optimize natural light and lake views.
02
Incorporates sustainable cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and warmth.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a connection to local traditions.
04
Includes outdoor soaking tubs integrated into the landscape for a nature-focused wellness experience.
05
Designed to facilitate a seamless flow between brewery, spa, and café spaces for enhanced visitor engagement.
The Brewery Spa at Sel Hotel, located near Lake Myvatn, Iceland, serves as a multifunctional space that combines a brewery, spa, café, and souvenir shop. The architectural design is characterized by its F-shaped layout, which promotes fluid movement between the different areas while enhancing the relationship between the built environment and the surrounding natural landscape. This project emphasizes a holistic visitor experience that honors both relaxation and the cultural context of its location.

The Brewery Spa represents a synthesis of wellness, hospitality, and local culture. Its design facilitates an immersive interaction with the dramatic Icelandic scenery, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty while engaging with the facilities. The integration of large windows throughout the structure creates visual connections to the landscapes beyond, reinforcing the sense of place that is essential to the project’s identity.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining features of the Brewery Spa is its innovative use of materials. Timber cladding provides a warm, organic aesthetic that resonates with the natural surroundings, while the concrete elements serve as a strong structural component. The extensive use of glass invites natural light and complements the views, ensuring that each area of the facility connects back to the site’s geothermal and volcanic history.

The architectural layout employs a carefully considered organization of spaces. The northern section contains the café and souvenir shop, designed to attract visitors upon entry with panoramic outdoor seating. This arrangement encourages engagement with the environment as guests enjoy refreshments. In contrast, the southern section houses the brewery and spa facilities. Here, elements such as a sauna and outdoor tubs extend the wellness experience beyond traditional confines, facilitating a connection with nature.

Functional Integration and Spatial Flow

The spatial organization within the Brewery Spa promotes a seamless flow between different environments. The proximity of the kitchen to the café allows for efficient service, while its positioning grants patrons views of Lake Myvatn. This intentional design choice enhances the dining experience, inviting guests to linger and savor their surroundings.

Unique features of the Brewery Spa include outdoor relaxation areas that provide unobstructed views of the lake, further enhancing the connection to nature. Additionally, the carefully calculated orientation maximizes natural daylight, enriching the atmosphere within the facility and providing comfort throughout different times of the day.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Brewery Spa’s architecture, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. By diving deeper into these architectural ideas, visitors can fully appreciate the intricacies of this carefully designed project that harmonizes wellness and the natural environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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