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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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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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