Thermal Springs Guest House, Iceland

International Competition – Shortlisted

Designers were tasked with submitting plans for a new guest house extension for the Vogafjós Farm, located on the east coast of  Lake Myvatn, that takes full advantage of the natural surroundings. 

The design for the new thermal springs guest house echoes the qualities found in the raw and mystical Icelandic landscape. It blends effortlessly into the natural scenery whilst providing a memorable stay for the guests. 

The building is sculptural in appearance with a strong reading of horizontal layers in reference to the strata of rocks found throughout the island. The colour palette is inspired by the local colours ranging from different shades of black and grey to earthy red and orange tones. The building materials are locally sourced using lava concrete for the exterior and a light birch timber for the interior.

The mass is expressed by two volumes which are linked by a stepped revegetated roofscape that responds to the program beneath and is designed to take full advantage of the incredible vistas towards Mount Vindbelgur, Mount Hlidfjall,  the Hverfjall Volcano and the Aurora Borealis.