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Geothermal Wellness Retreat Featuring Integrated Concrete and Wood Elements

Geothermal Wellness Retreat Featuring Integrated Concrete and Wood Elements
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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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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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