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

Authors:
Oleksandra Viazmitinova, Stoyan Gerchev, Jungwoong Park
Natural Wood Brown and Expansive Glass Facades Coalesce in a Sustainable Brewery and Spa Structure

Project in-detail

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 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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