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

Natural Roofing and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Brewery Experience in Iceland
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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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