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Mushroom-Paneled Spa Integrating Geothermal Energy Amidst Iceland's Basalt Landscape

Authors:
Feifei Feng, Hanqin Tang, Hanqin Tang
Mushroom-Paneled Spa Integrating Geothermal Energy Amidst Iceland's Basalt Landscape

Project in-detail

Incorporating mushroom-cultivated panels and geothermal energy within a basalt landscape, the design creates a unique beer spa experience that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates mushroom-cultivated panels to enhance sustainability.
02
Utilizes local basalt as a primary structural material.
03
Features geothermal energy for heating and spa functions.
04
Includes panoramic views of Iceland's northern lights.
05
Designed with a seamless indoor-outdoor spa experience.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the beer spa known as "The Hourglass" is designed to integrate with the region's striking landscapes while emphasizing a connection to geothermal energy. The structure embodies an architectural vision that merges environmental consideration with cultural influences, aiming to redefine wellness experiences within the hospitality sector.

### Spatial Configuration and Layout
The spa is organized across three distinct levels, each tailored to interact with the site's topography and enhance user experience. The lower floor features brewing areas that provide visibility to the brewing process, embodying a connection between craftsmanship and the natural environment. The ground terrace functions as a communal space, bridging indoor areas with the outdoors and promoting social interaction. The upper floor offers expansive views, allowing guests to engage with Iceland's unique scenery while enjoying spa amenities.

### Materiality and Performance
A focus on sustainability informs the choice of materials used throughout the project. Indigenous basalt forms the building's foundation, linking it to the geological context of Iceland. Innovative mushroom-cultivated panels contribute to structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact. Perforated metal sheets serve as both a climatic control mechanism and a design feature, enhancing light modulation and aesthetic appeal. Each material is selected to support the building's performance in the challenging Nordic climate while reflecting local characteristics.

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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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