Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Turf Roof Structure With Barley Insulation Offering Thermal Comfort and Lakeside Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Aranza Lucia Zepeda Gallegos, Karla Lafarga
Turf Roof Structure With Barley Insulation Offering Thermal Comfort and Lakeside Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

The use of a turf roof and barley insulation optimizes energy efficiency while providing a lakeside retreat designed for wellness and relaxation through a unique beer spa experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a turf roof system that enhances insulation and blends seamlessly with the landscape.
02
Barley waste is utilized for insulation, promoting local resource use and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame structure optimizes spatial dynamics while enhancing the building's aesthetic presence.
04
Extensive glazing allows for panoramic views of the lakeside setting, creating a strong connection to nature.
05
The facility includes multiple functional spaces, catering to relaxation, dining, and retail, fostering a community atmosphere.
The HækkA Beer Spa is an architectural project located in Skútustaðir, Iceland, designed to meld modern design with traditional Icelandic architecture. This facility serves as both a spa and a social space, offering visitors an opportunity to indulge in wellness experiences centered around locally brewed beer. The project aims to create a tranquil and harmonious environment that respects the surrounding landscape while providing functional spaces for relaxation and socialization.

The design reflects a cohesive relationship with its natural surroundings through the selection of materials and form. The building incorporates traditional turf house elements, echoing local architectural history while integrating modern construction techniques. This choice enhances not only the aesthetic appeal but also the thermal efficiency of the structure, aligning with sustainable building practices.

Unique Architectural Approaches
A key feature of the HækkA Beer Spa is its innovative roofing design, characterized by gabled forms that facilitate both aesthetic integration with the landscape and effective rainwater management. The roofs, inclined at various angles, are crafted to mimic the surrounding topography, ensuring that the structure complements rather than disrupts the visual continuity of the site. The extensive use of glass in the façade allows for significant natural light, enhancing the internal environment while providing panoramic views of the Icelandic wilderness.

The interior layout is designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating a range of activities. Spaces for relaxation treatments, a restaurant offering locally inspired cuisine, and a retail area are strategically positioned to promote a seamless flow between public and private areas. The interior materials blend functionality with comfort, featuring a combination of reinforced concrete and wooden finishes, which together create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the HækkA Beer Spa's architectural design. Local materials are prioritized, including insulation materials derived from barley, a byproduct of beer production. This not only minimizes transportation emissions but also strengthens local economic practices. By focusing on energy efficiency and thermal comfort, the design reduces the overall environmental footprint of the building, aligning with contemporary standards for sustainability in architecture.

For a comprehensive view of the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. Insights into the architectural ideas and technical details can provide a deeper appreciation of how HækkA Beer Spa exemplifies thoughtfully integrated design that respects its context.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy