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Porous Basalt Structure Merging Natural Landscapes With Sustainable Brewing Experiences

Author:
Namuunbayar kharchin Ulziibat
Porous Basalt Structure Merging Natural Landscapes With Sustainable Brewing Experiences

Project in-detail

A porous basalt structure harmonizes with the volcanic landscape of Iceland, facilitating a unique brewing experience while promoting sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced basalt rock for its porous structure, enhancing environmental integration.
02
Incorporates geothermal energy systems to support sustainable operations year-round.
03
Features a public beer spa, offering therapeutic and recreational experiences tied to brewing.
04
The design promotes visual connections with the aurora borealis through extensive glass facades.
05
Emphasizes community engagement by including diverse spaces for social interaction and education.

**Overview**

The BReW rock HaVeN project is situated within the unique geological context of Iceland's Myvatn region, characterized by volcanic landscapes. The architectural intent is to develop a multi-functional space that integrates sustainable practices and fosters community engagement through a specialized beer-centric experience.

**Spatial Strategy and User Engagement**

The design emphasizes a porous spatial strategy that harmoniously merges indoor environments with the natural surroundings. Utilizing basalt lava rock as the primary material, the structure is designed to absorb environmental elements, enhancing energy efficiency while providing a visually captivating experience. The architectural form features fluid lines and dynamic shapes that draw inspiration from volcanic topography, promoting exploration and interaction. The layout is organized across two floors, with distinct zones including a brewery, a public beer spa, and recreational areas that encourage community connection.

**Materiality and Environmental Integration**

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in defining the project’s identity. Lightweight basalt lava rock is complemented by extensive use of glass to facilitate transparency and natural light, while concrete and wood elements provide structural stability and warmth, respectively. The building’s porous nature allows for effective temperature regulation, leveraging geothermal energy to align with sustainability goals. The incorporation of renewable energy practices contributes to the project’s ecological integrity, reflecting Iceland's commitment to environmental preservation.

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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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