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Larch Cladding and Green Roofs Define a Sustainable Wellness Retreat in Iceland

Authors:
Finlay johan Ulrichsen, Alfie Louis J Hollington
Larch Cladding and Green Roofs Define a Sustainable Wellness Retreat in Iceland

Project in-detail

Sustainably crafted with larch cladding and a green roof, the spa integrates seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, offering a unique wellness experience tailored to promote relaxation and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sustainably sourced larch timber is used for the building’s cladding, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
The structure incorporates a green roof that fosters biodiversity and improves energy efficiency.
03
Large, strategically placed windows offer panoramic views of the unique Myvatn geology.
04
A rainwater collection system supports sustainable water usage and enhances resource conservation.
05
The design features a concrete core wall to maximize thermal mass and regulate indoor temperature.

### Overview

My ÖL Spa is situated in the Myvatn region, characterized by its distinctive geological features, including the Skútustaðagígar craters. The design integrates ecological principles with the surrounding landscape, providing a functional space that reflects the area's natural beauty. Key design concepts focus on sustainability, user experience, and cultural engagement, aiming to create a setting that serves both visitors and the community.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of My ÖL Spa is designed to accommodate diverse functional requirements while promoting interaction among users. The public ground floor features adaptable spaces, including a café, event area, and microbrewery, encouraging exploration and connectivity. In contrast, the private lower floor is dedicated to wellness, featuring individual treatment rooms and communal relaxation areas that offer views of the landscape. A multi-purpose event space further underscores the building's role as a community hub, enabling a range of activities.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design, aligning with sustainability goals and the visual identity of the structure. The building utilizes larch timber cladding for its weather-resistant properties, complemented by a glulam framework that allows for expansive open interiors. A concrete core wall enhances thermal performance, ensuring comfort during colder months. Additionally, the incorporation of a green roof integrated with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system underscores a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, reinforcing the spa's ecological ethos.

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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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