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Natural Wood Brown and Expansive Glass Facades Coalesce in a Sustainable Brewery and Spa Structure

Natural Wood Brown and Expansive Glass Facades Coalesce in a Sustainable Brewery and Spa Structure
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Emphasizing sustainability through the use of recycled materials and a timber structure, the design seamlessly integrates expansive glass facades with the surrounding landscape to create a functional brewery and wellness spa near Lake Mývatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled CNC elements for interior furnishings.
02
Features large glass facades for maximum natural light and landscape views.
03
Incorporates a green roof to enhance thermal performance and biodiversity.
04
Designed with an internal courtyard to promote natural ventilation.
05
Emphasizes local materials reflective of Icelandic culture and building traditions.

## Architectural Analysis Report: FlowSpa, Iceland

### Project Overview
Located north of Lake Mývatn in Iceland, FlowSpa serves as a local brewery and beer spa center. The design purposefully engages with the surrounding landscape, creating a multisensory experience through the integration of relaxation areas and brewing facilities. The objective is to provide visitors with an immersive interaction with the natural environment while accommodating the distinct operational needs of a brewery and wellness center.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The design emphasizes sustainable practices through the careful selection of materials and construction methods. Natural timber serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, reflecting traditional Nordic architecture. Extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and a strong connection with the landscape, while concrete provides durable foundational support. To further enhance sustainability, various elements, such as banisters and seating, are crafted from recycled timber, aligning with broader ecological objectives.

The building employs passive energy strategies, promoting natural ventilation and temperature regulation through high ceilings and generous glass facades. Local materials and construction techniques are prioritized to minimize environmental impact, resulting in a design that resonates with its geographical context.

### Spatial Organization and Circulation
The layout is thoughtfully arranged to differentiate between public spaces, such as the brewery, and more private areas designated for relaxation and respite. An internal courtyard serves as a natural light source and airflow facilitator, acting as a social hub while providing visual connections to the exterior.

Circulation throughout the facility is designed to be intuitive, guiding visitors from the interactive brewery experience to the tranquil spa areas. The landscaping takes into account the site’s natural topography, creating seamless transitions between the built structure and the surroundings, further enhancing the user experience.

Overall, the strategic design elements of FlowSpa serve practical functions while inviting an immersive encounter with Icelandic nature, highlighting the architectural considerations made to unify form and function.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

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