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Volcanic Landscape Retreat Featuring Green Roofs and Curvilinear Forms Integrating Geothermal Elements

Authors:
Yeming Li, 马 宇宸, Li Xiaotian, Zhao Ling
Volcanic Landscape Retreat Featuring Green Roofs and Curvilinear Forms Integrating Geothermal Elements

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms and green roofs seamlessly integrate into the volcanic landscape, creating a wellness facility that combines spa services with a local brewery experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear structural design mimics local geological forms.
02
Integration of geothermal heating systems ensures energy efficiency.
03
Visible brewery production area enhances visitor engagement.
04
Green roofs support local biodiversity while improving insulation.
05
Central observation points provide unobstructed views of the landscape.

## Project Overview

Located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, the facility serves to merge wellness with local beer production in a multi-functional space encompassing a brewery, café, souvenir shop, and hot spring spa. With a design that draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape, the project aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the geological features that characterize the area.

## Contextual Considerations

The design responds to the Myvatn region's unique volcanic landscape and geothermal activity, utilizing the concept of "holes" as a core design element. These voids facilitate a connection between the natural and built environments, enhancing user experience while accommodating spaces for relaxation and reflection. The architecture is intended to foster engagement with the natural setting, allowing visitors to appreciate both the therapeutic aspects of the spa and the artisanal processes involved in beer production.

## Material and Form

A commitment to sustainability is evident in the choice of materials, which include concrete for structural durability, extensive glass for maximizing natural light and visual connections to the landscape, and wood for interior finishes that add warmth. The architectural form is sculptural, characterized by multiple levels and curvilinear spaces that reflect the contours of the surrounding hills and craters. Additionally, reflective ponds are strategically integrated to deepen visitors' connection to the natural environment.

### Functional Layout

The facility is organized into a ground floor that features visitor-centric spaces, such as the main lobby, spa center, and observation areas, allowing for intuitive navigation. The basement accommodates more private functions, including treatment rooms and additional wellness facilities. Key areas such as the open beer processing unit and spa center enhance the visitor experience, providing insights into the brewing process and offering serene environments for relaxation.

### Environmental Integration

In alignment with environmental sustainability goals, the facility will employ geothermal heating systems to reduce energy consumption. The incorporation of green roofing not only improves thermal insulation but also supports local biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife. This approach ensures that the building respects and enhances the ecology of the Myvatn region.

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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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