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Geothermal Wellness Retreat Featuring Integrated Concrete and Wood Elements

Authors:
Shintaro Ariyama, Jorge Enrique Caffaro Feliz
Geothermal Wellness Retreat Featuring Integrated Concrete and Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Integrating geothermal energy with a façade of exposed concrete and warm wood accents, the spa enhances the brewing experience by seamlessly connecting wellness and community interaction in a unique retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates geothermal energy for sustainable heating and cooling.
02
Features an open brewing area for visitor engagement and education.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views.
04
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
05
Divided into two hemispheres, balancing lively brewing and tranquil spa experiences.

## Overview

Located in Iceland, the Sel Brewery Spa integrates brewing culture with a wellness experience, creating a distinct architectural narrative that balances energy with tranquility. The design reflects the duality of the brewing process alongside a serene spa environment, catering to both dynamic and restorative activities. The project is strategically situated to engage with its natural surroundings, including views of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the surrounding mountains.

## Spatial Strategy

The building's spatial organization is designed to optimize visitor movement and experience. The entrance features a welcoming pathway that gradually transitions individuals from the external environment into the internal space, enhancing the sense of arrival. The first level accommodates brewing facilities and public rooms, while private treatment areas are located on the second level, facilitating a clear separation between active and restful zones. Distinct spaces within the design include the **Outgoing Hemisphere**, characterized by interactive areas that foster social engagement, and the **Mellow Hemisphere**, which provides a retreat from the external environment with an emphasis on natural light and landscape views.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a crucial role in achieving the project's aesthetic and functional goals. Exposed concrete establishes a robust foundation, while wood elements create warmth and comfort, balancing the industrial sensibility of concrete. Expansive glass walls enhance connectivity with the outdoors, promoting visual integration with the Icelandic landscape. Metal cladding is incorporated for durability against weather conditions. The project emphasizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials and the integration of geothermal energy, aligning with contemporary environmental standards and reinforcing a commitment to ecological stewardship.

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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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