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Rust-Finished Structures Nestled Within Volcanic Landscapes for Community Wellness

Rust-Finished Structures Nestled Within Volcanic Landscapes for Community Wellness
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Combining a rust-finished exterior with a seamless integration into the volcanic landscape, the facility offers unique beer bathing experiences while fostering community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasizes a rust-finished facade that blends with the volcanic landscape.
02
Features a bent A-frame design enhancing structural efficiency and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates geothermal heating systems to optimize energy use.
04
Includes dedicated spaces for beer bathing, promoting wellness and relaxation.
05
Utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.

### Overview

Craterhaus is situated in the distinct geological landscape of Myvatn, Iceland, where it engages with the natural environment while serving as a facility for relaxation and social interaction centered on brewing. The design draws inspiration from the local volcanic topography and aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built structure and its surroundings, reflecting the region's geological features.

### Spatial Strategy

The building's design features undulating roofs that mimic the lakes in the vicinity, establishing a cohesive visual relationship with the landscape. Internally, the layout comprises various key areas, including a beer bath area that emphasizes wellness, a stargazing deck designed for celestial observation, and dedicated spaces for beer tasting and brewing. This arrangement fosters community engagement and interaction among visitors through open and interconnected spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and integration with the environment. Corten steel, concrete, glass, and galvanized steel profiles have been selected for their durability and aesthetic harmony, while waterproof membranes ensure resilience against Iceland’s harsh climate. By utilizing local resources, the design minimizes transportation emissions and enhances the building's ecological footprint. Panoramic glass walls facilitate passive solar heating, contributing to energy efficiency throughout the colder months.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

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