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Perforated Metal Façade and Skylight Oculus in a Circular Spa Retreat

Author:
Armando E Rose
Perforated Metal Façade and Skylight Oculus in a Circular Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

With a unique skylight oculus and a perforated metal façade, the spa integrates sustainable materials and design to enhance the wellness experience within Iceland's natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique skylight oculus to enhance natural light throughout the interior.
02
Incorporates a perforated metal façade that mimics local organic forms for passive ventilation.
03
Features hydrotherapy tubs integrated into the outdoor landscape to connect guests with nature.
04
Employs reclaimed wood accents to promote sustainability and local craftsmanship.
05
Designed with circular spatial organization to encourage social interaction among visitors.

### Overview

Located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, the Beer Spa project is designed to harmonize with the area's rich natural landscape while emphasizing wellness and recreation. The structure embodies a commitment to environmental mindfulness and seeks to enhance the guest experience through the use of natural materials and spatial organization that respects local ecology.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The building adopts a circular form, symbolizing unity and fostering social interaction among guests. It is strategically divided into three functional areas: **Public Spaces**, which include male and female lounges, a reception area, and a café; **Therapeutic Areas**, featuring hydrotherapy tubs, saunas, and treatment rooms that leverage natural light and views of the surrounding landscape; and **Staff Facilities**, designed for operational support while maintaining a seamless experience for visitors.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to both sustainability and aesthetics. Concrete forms the primary structure, providing durability and thermal mass essential for energy efficiency. Large glass panels are incorporated to maximize natural light and reinforce connections to the outdoors, while perforated metal panels reference organic forms found in nature and support passive ventilation. Reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood accents add warmth and texture, enhancing the sensory experience. Solar panels on the roof align the project with environmental standards, further underscoring its focus on sustainability through features such as rainwater harvesting systems and natural ventilation strategies that reduce reliance on artificial climate control.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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