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

Author:
Alun Gavin Moreton
Geothermal Spa Featuring Bronze Accents and Natural Stone Elements Within An Immersive Landscape

Project in-detail

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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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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