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Porous Basalt Structure Merging Natural Landscapes with Sustainable Brewing Experiences

Porous Basalt Structure Merging Natural Landscapes with Sustainable Brewing Experiences
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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