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Sculpted Concrete And Transparent Glass Harmonizing Spa Retreat In The Icelandic Landscape

Authors:
Julia Elisabeth Clough, Rey Elliot Gabriel, Catherine Tumali
Sculpted Concrete And Transparent Glass Harmonizing Spa Retreat In The Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Combining sculpted concrete forms with expansive glass façades, this spa retreat integrates seamlessly into the Icelandic landscape, prioritizing wellness and community interaction through its dual function as a brewery and spa.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sculpted concrete forms mimic the natural terrain of the Icelandic landscape.
02
Extensive glass façades enhance natural light and create dynamic visual connections with the surroundings.
03
Birch wood interiors contribute to a warm atmosphere while reflecting local cultural elements.
04
The brewery component fosters community interaction, merging social space with wellness facilities.
05
Innovative use of glass blocks allows for colorful daylight effects in treatment areas.

### Overview

Bjorbath Spa and Brewery is situated in Northern Iceland, adjacent to the tranquil Lake Myvatn. The design of the spa complex aims to integrate with its natural surroundings, reflecting the restorative qualities associated with water. The project emphasizes the use of natural materials and forms to establish a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the landscape, promoting wellness and relaxation.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout

The spatial arrangement of Bjorbath is characterized by a layered structure that enhances the user experience through fluid organization. The facility comprises four primary levels:

1. **Ground Floor**: This level accommodates the brewery and public spaces designed to foster community interaction and social engagement.
2. **First and Second Floors**: These levels house the primary spa treatment areas, which include hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms that encourage immersive experiences.
3. **Third Floor**: A café providing refreshments and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The organic forms and curved lines of the building design mirror the natural topography, creating a visual and experiential connection to the environment. Circulation paths are intentionally designed to invite moments of pause, allowing guests to appreciate the changing light and views throughout their visit.

### Material Selection

The material palette of Bjorbath enhances both the aesthetic and sensory experiences within the spa. Key materials include:

- **Glass**: Utilized extensively for cladding, it facilitates natural light entry and frames picturesque views of the Icelandic landscape.
- **Birch Wood**: This local material introduces warmth to the interiors, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere and reflecting sustainable practices.
- **Concrete**: Employed in the sculpted forms of spa tubs and treatment areas, it adds to the organic fluidity of the design.
- **Glass Blocks**: Incorporating these elements allows dynamic daylight to permeate interior spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere reflective of Iceland's weather.
- **Natural Stone**: Used in pools and wet areas, it enhances the tactile quality of the spa environment.

The careful curation of materials underscores the design's commitment to sustainability and the natural beauty of its context.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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