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Natural Roofing and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Brewery Experience in Iceland

Author:
Quinn Palmer Riesch
Natural Roofing and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Brewery Experience in Iceland

Project in-detail

A green roof of native grasses and moss seamlessly integrates with local volcanic stone, creating a sustainable brewery that enhances the visitor experience in Iceland's Mývatn region.
5 key facts about this project
01
A green roof composed of native grasses and moss improves thermal efficiency and biodiversity.
02
Local volcanic stone is integrated into the facade, enhancing regional character.
03
The structure’s design includes large glass panels for unobstructed landscape views.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
An observation deck allows visitors to engage directly with the surrounding environment.

### Overview

Björhús Náttúrunar, situated in Mývatn, Iceland, engages with its unique landscape while focusing on functionality, primarily oriented towards local brewing culture. The design reflects the area’s geological features, including craters and volcanic terrains, establishing a connection that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the environment while experiencing local offerings.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of Björhús Náttúrunar promotes both individual reflection and social interaction. The ground level includes a café with both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a transparent view of the brewery, fostering a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can engage with the brewing process. The upper level features tasting rooms and observation decks, enhancing the interaction with the dramatic landscape through abundant natural light provided by skylights. This arrangement reflects a balance between functionality and sensory experience, inviting visitors to engage with the local culture actively.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials emphasizes both sustainability and aesthetic compatibility with the surrounding environment. Concrete serves as the primary structural material due to its durability in the volcanic context, while warm wood accents offer a welcoming interior atmosphere. Expansive glass panels create visual continuity between the interior and exterior, enriching the user experience. The green roof, composed of grass and moss, not only enhances insulation and fosters biodiversity but also integrates the building into its natural surroundings. Furthermore, the building's orientation optimizes natural light, reducing reliance on artificial heating and lighting, thereby minimizing its environmental footprint.

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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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