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Geothermal Spa Featuring Bronze Accents and Natural Stone Elements Within an Immersive Landscape

Geothermal Spa Featuring Bronze Accents and Natural Stone Elements Within an Immersive Landscape
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Incorporating geothermal energy and bronze accents, the design utilizes natural stone to create a spa experience that seamlessly connects with the surrounding landscape and emphasizes the craft of brewing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a plunge pool that utilizes geothermal energy for heating.
02
Constructed with bronze detailing that reflects traditional brewing heritage.
03
Features large glass panels to enhance views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates terraced outdoor areas to promote engagement with nature.
05
Design abstractly interprets brewery ingredients through spatial organization.

### Project Overview
The Mývatn Beer Spa is located near Lake Stakhólstjörn and the Skútustaðagígar craters in Iceland, where it integrates the themes of brewing, relaxation, and natural landscape. The design responds to local climatic conditions while incorporating traditional brewing processes into a modern spa environment, creating an engaging experience for visitors.

### Spatial Organization
The facility spans multiple levels, each tailored to enhance visitor interaction with the brewing process and the surrounding landscape. The ground level includes a reception area and bar with extensive glazing that fosters transparency into the brewing operations. Adjacent spaces, such as the café and gift shop, are strategically positioned to offer scenic views.

Upper levels are dedicated to a tasting bar and beer bath, providing panoramic views that promote communal relaxation. Treatment rooms are located near the main spa to facilitate a holistic wellness experience. Outdoor terraces extend the interior atmosphere, encouraging social interaction and connection with the natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selections reflect the site's natural environment and contribute to an immersive sensory experience. Natural stone is prominently featured in the plunge pool and bar area, establishing a connection to the earth. Bronze and copper accents signify the brewing tradition, while extensive glass use enhances natural light and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sustainability is prioritized through geothermal heating and cooling systems, as well as photovoltaic elements that bolster energy efficiency. Integrated green spaces and terraces extend the aesthetic of the building into the landscape, harmonizing structure with environment without overpowering its natural beauty.

### Contextual Considerations
Sensitively responding to the geography, the building's stepped design respects existing topography while maximizing views of the lake and craters. Orientation and form are informed by sun path analysis, optimizing sunlight access year-round. The vertical bronze tower serves both functional and visual purposes, acting as a landmark that guides visitors through the landscape.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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