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Natural Stone Integration With Reclaimed Wood in a Sustainable Crater Retreat

Authors:
Evangelos Ntaflos, Ioannis Papageorgiou
Natural Stone Integration With Reclaimed Wood in a Sustainable Crater Retreat

Project in-detail

Set within a volcanic crater, the design utilizes compacted soil and reclaimed wood to create a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with the landscape while offering spaces for craft brewing and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Set within a volcanic crater to minimize its visual impact.
02
Utilizes compacted soil as a primary structural element.
03
Features large skylights for natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency.
04
Employs locally sourced materials, including native stone and reclaimed wood.
05
Incorporates flexible spaces designed for both communal and private experiences.

### Overview
Located in Iceland's volcanic landscapes, Brewcrate Retreat is an architectural initiative that merges beer crafting with wellness activities. Situated within a volcanic crater, the structure is designed to integrate with the natural environment, thereby fostering a harmonious relationship between human activity and the surrounding geology. The retreat serves as a versatile space intended to facilitate social interaction and relaxation while considering long-term human engagement with the landscape.

### Material Strategy
The building employs a diverse range of materials that reflect local resources and prioritize sustainability. Key components include reclaimed wood for interior elements, compacted soil forming part of the corbelled structure, and native Icelandic stones, enhancing regional authenticity. Other materials, such as rubber for thermal insulation and concrete for structural support, ensure durability. Bronze is applied to reflective surfaces that interact dynamically with natural light, reinforcing the project’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and a connection to the volcanic landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural form of Brewcrate Retreat features fluid shapes that echo the surrounding terrain. The exterior presents a monolithic appearance, partially embedded in the earth to minimize visual impact. Internally, a striking wooden staircase facilitates circulation and adds spatial complexity, while large skylights and glass prisms allow natural light to permeate the interior, creating an evolving interplay of light and shadow. Functionally, the retreat encompasses spaces for relaxation, spa treatments, and brewery operations, designed to accommodate both communal gatherings and private retreats, thereby addressing a wide array of user needs.

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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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