Located in the striking landscapes of Iceland, the guest houses are designed to merge with their surroundings while offering visitors a direct experience of nature. Drawing inspiration from traditional turf houses, the project reinterprets local building traditions to create structures that balance comfort with immersion in the environment. The cabins are positioned to highlight the spectacle of the northern lights, providing guests with both shelter and a heightened connection to place.

Architectural Concept

The cabins are defined by their non-symmetrical, inclined roofs, which introduce varied perspectives and shifting visual dynamics. As guests move through the site, the angled forms reveal new spatial relationships, encouraging exploration of both the architecture and the surrounding terrain. This approach underlines the idea of architecture as an active participant in the landscape, rather than a static insertion.

Materiality and Sustainability

Local birch wood is the primary construction material, used extensively for both exteriors and interiors. Durable and suited to Iceland’s challenging climate, birch ensures resilience while grounding the project in regional resources. Its warm texture softens the sharpness of the architectural forms and reinforces the connection between built and natural environments.

Spatial Organization

The cabins are arranged to strike a balance between privacy and social engagement. While each guest house offers secluded accommodation, shared amenities—including a kitchen, dining area, sauna, and bathrooms—are located in a nearby service building. This spatial strategy promotes community without compromising individual retreat, supporting both collective and solitary experiences of the landscape.

Framing Views

Generous panoramic windows, carefully placed at a height of 2.2 meters, provide privacy while directing attention outward. By framing sweeping views of the sky and surrounding terrain, these apertures emphasize the northern lights as a central feature of the stay. Varied window sizes and placements introduce diversity in light and perspective, strengthening the connection between the cabins and Iceland’s ever-changing environment.