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Integrating Natural Light Through Sloping Glass Façades in a Spa Featuring Thermal Elements and Local Brews

Author:
Jaehyeon Jung
Integrating Natural Light Through Sloping Glass Façades in a Spa Featuring Thermal Elements and Local Brews

Project in-detail

A sloping glass façade and integrated thermal zones create a harmonious connection between the interior and the Icelandic landscape, promoting wellness and relaxation through the experience of local brewing culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while creating dynamic interior spaces.
02
Natural thermal zones allow for year-round outdoor spa experiences in varying climates.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles contributes to local fire-resistance practices and aesthetic harmony.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide efficient insulation and sustainable material sourcing.
05
Integrated brewery operations showcase local beer culture as part of the visitor experience.

### Project Overview
The Panoramic Beer Spa at Sel Hotel is situated in the Myvatn region of Iceland, designed to merge the local brewing culture with wellness experiences. The intent of the spa is to engage visitors with both the enjoyment of beer and the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection to the natural environment. The architectural approach reflects the unique geological features of the region, enhancing the interaction between the facility and its rural context.

### Architectural Massing and Spatial Organization
The spa's design adopts a fluid, organic form that echoes the topography of Iceland, ensuring a harmonious blend with the natural contours of the site. The layout includes distinct zones, comprising a beer spa area, a brewery, a café, and a souvenir shop, facilitating an intuitive flow through the facility. This arrangement mirrors the stages of beer craftsmanship, with spaces designed to guide visitors from the brewing process to moments of relaxation. A prominent glass façade enhances transparency, promoting visual connectivity to the exterior landscape and ensuring natural light fills the interior spaces.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The material palette primarily consists of glass, concrete, and wood. The extensive use of glass creates an open atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. Concrete serves as the structural framework, providing durability against the harsh Icelandic climate, while wood accents introduce warmth and tactile richness throughout the interiors. Additionally, the sloping roof design, inspired by volcanic formations, not only facilitates snow shedding but also reinforces the spa's thematic connection to the Icelandic landscape. This thoughtful selection of materials contributes to an aesthetically cohesive and inviting environment.

### Visitor Engagement and Relaxation Zones
Unique features of the spa include an on-site brewery that provides insight into the local brewing process, alongside several relaxation zones that enhance visitor experiences. The outdoor foot spa allows guests to unwind while enjoying views of the Myvatn area. Furthermore, the courtyard design facilitates the ingress of natural light and atmospheric phenomena, such as the aurora, contributing to the spa's sensory richness. This strategic organization aims to promote rejuvenation, enhancing the overall wellness objective of the spa.

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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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