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Pentagonal Space Crafted With Basalt and Natural Wood Overlooking Northern Lights

Author:
Marie Glauner
Pentagonal Space Crafted With Basalt and Natural Wood Overlooking Northern Lights

Project in-detail

An exceptional pentagonal structure emerges from the rugged landscape, crafted with durable basalt and warm wood, offering panoramic views of the Northern Lights while providing a multifaceted space for brewing and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pentagonal shape enhances spatial flexibility and engagement with the landscape.
02
Constructed with locally sourced basalt for durability and context integration.
03
Generous use of glass allows for seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
04
Equipped with a dedicated aurora-viewing room for unique visitor experiences.
05
Features spa treatments utilizing local resources, emphasizing wellness and sustainability.

### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the Mývatn Brew Retreat is designed to integrate innovative architectural solutions with the surrounding natural landscape. This project aims to provide a functional space that reflects the dramatic scenery of Lake Mývatn while serving as a destination for both tourists and locals. The design emphasizes the dual relationship between indoor and outdoor experiences, fostering an engagement with the local environment.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement
The retreat features an open floor plan that promotes flexibility and accessibility throughout the space. At its core is a pentagon-shaped room, which facilitates a variety of functions such as a café, brewery, and relaxation areas. This unique geometric form not only provides structural integrity but also encourages collaborative use. The strategic removal of walls enhances natural light flow, connecting the interior to the exterior and illustrating a commitment to reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The inclusion of various spaces such as a brewery with transparent glass walls allows patrons to observe the brewing process, fostering a social atmosphere. Additional amenities, including wellness facilities with beer-infused therapies on the second floor and a specialized Aurora-viewing room, further enrich the visitor experience by providing unique opportunities to engage with both the landscape and Icelandic cultural traditions.

### Material Strategies
In addressing the philosophical underpinnings of the project, a strategic selection of materials enhances its identity and responsiveness to the local context. The juxtaposition of basalt and wood creates a balance between durability and warmth. Basalt, known for its resilience, reflects the rugged character of the Icelandic terrain, while wood introduces inviting tones that soften the overall aesthetic. Generous use of glass not only maximizes views but also blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, reinforcing the connection with the scenic environment. Natural stone finishes are carefully integrated to further align the structure with its geographical context, completing the design’s cohesive narrative.

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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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