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Geothermal Wellness Center Constructed with Natural Turf and Local Stone

Author:
Hao-hsuan Lu
Geothermal Wellness Center Constructed with Natural Turf and Local Stone

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural turf and local stone, the geothermal wellness center integrates traditional materials and modern climate control methods to create a multifunctional space for relaxation and brewing education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced turf, the building minimizes environmental impact while enhancing insulation.
02
The cooling tower design utilizes natural geothermal energy for efficient climate control.
03
Wellness facilities incorporate geothermal steam, creating a unique health-focused experience.
04
Distinctive bent A-frame design allows for optimal ventilation and natural light.
05
An educational brewery space highlights Icelandic brewing traditions alongside sustainable practices.

## Overview
The Turf House, located in Skútustaðagígar, Iceland, represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Icelandic turf architecture, emphasizing the effective integration of geothermal energy management. Situated in a geothermal-rich region, the design caters to recreational and educational activities while promoting sustainability. The project seeks to redefine the principles of energy efficiency and user engagement, creating a facility that connects visitors with Iceland's natural resources.

## Geothermal Integration
The architectural design utilizes geothermal energy as a central element, reflecting the prevalent energy practices in Iceland where the majority of residential heating relies on this resource. The Turf House functions as a circulator of geothermal energy, employing a cooling tower system to optimize the indoor microclimate through the manipulation of natural heat and humidity. This design approach not only achieves thermal comfort but also enhances the overall experiential quality for users, promoting interaction with the surrounding environment.

## Material Selection
Materials selected for the Turf House are integral to both its functionality and aesthetic coherence. Traditional turf serves as insulation, connecting the structure to Iceland's architectural heritage. Wood is extensively used for its warmth and thermal properties, while stone provides durability and thermal mass, further benefitting the building's geothermal systems. Copper is utilized for plumbing, contributing to the overall structural integrity, and glass elements are incorporated to enhance natural lighting and visual links to the landscape while maintaining thermal efficiency through advanced glazing techniques.

## Spatial Configuration
The unique spatial organization of the Turf House creates distinct zones for various activities, including a beer tasting bar, a beer spa, and an operational brewery area. Each section is designed to encourage interaction and facilitate educational experiences related to Icelandic brewing traditions, alongside wellness facilities that utilize geothermal steam for therapeutic benefits. This configuration not only supports diverse user activities but also fosters a communal environment that enhances the visitor experience.

## Environmental Context
The design respects and responds to the natural terrain of Skútustaðagígar, with features such as a "heavy layer" of stone that integrates the building into the landscape. This strategy creates a dialogue between the architectural form and its environment, underscoring the commitment to sustainability and minimizing the ecological footprint. The building systems are meticulously designed to optimize energy use and comfort, ensuring effective temperature and humidity regulation while emphasizing a circular approach to resource management.

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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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