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Geothermal Spa Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Corten Steel Infused with Local Brewing Culture

Geothermal Spa Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Corten Steel Infused with Local Brewing Culture
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Blending cross-laminated timber and corten steel, the design creates a geothermal spa that integrates local brewing culture with wellness experiences amid the serene landscape of Lake Mývatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and warmth.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a distinctive bent A-frame design that optimizes views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Integrates an on-site brewery, promoting local craftsmanship and community engagement.
05
Strategically employs geothermal energy for heating, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.

## Architectural Design Analysis Report: Nordic Brewscapes Spa

### Project Overview
Situated near Lake Mývatn in Iceland, the Nordic Brewscapes Spa integrates architectural design with the unique geographic features of its surroundings. The intent of the project is to create an immersive environment that merges a spa with a brewery, emphasizing the region's cultural heritage. Through careful design, the spa aims to promote relaxation while fostering an appreciation for the natural beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The design features a diverse array of functional spaces optimized for user experience. A welcoming main entrance and reception area are designed to create an inviting atmosphere enriched by natural light and warm materials. The brewery serves as a central hub, allowing visitors to engage with the brewing process, while also providing a beer tasting bar that encourages social interaction. Wellness facilities, including treatment rooms and relaxation spaces, are designed to evoke tranquility through thoughtfully selected materials and colors. The restaurant emphasizes local cuisine, further connecting guests with the Icelandic culture.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
A variety of materials were chosen for their durability and aesthetic compatibility with the environment. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) forms the structural framework, providing stability while imparting warmth to the interiors. Weathered corten steel is utilized for exterior applications, ensuring that the building gradually integrates with its natural surroundings. Polished concrete surfaces enhance the modernity of interior spaces, contrasting effectively with organic elements. Expansive glass windows facilitate a strong connection between indoor activities and the scenic vistas of the lake and mountains, enhancing natural light flow throughout the facility.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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