SPIRAL is located between the Karlagjá and Kvennagjá caves in Iceland. The design serves to separate tourist activities from bathing areas, creating distinct spaces accessed through a central tower. The concept emphasizes verticality, enabling a compact structure that interacts with the natural landscape.

Design Concept

The design features lower rooms in combination with a raised observatory. This vertical arrangement allows for a more efficient use of space while encouraging views outwards. The tapered summit of the building converges at the observatory platform, resulting in a versatile central area beneath the structure. This design choice facilitates a sense of openness and connection to the surroundings.

Interior Layout

Inside, the layout focuses on providing an inward-facing experience, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment. A single public entrance leads individuals through a hallway with wall displays, guiding them to a central area. Visitors can navigate a circular path that connects the observatory, café, and anteroom for Kvennagjá bathers, allowing for easy movement throughout the building.

Materiality

The facade walls are constructed with load-bearing engineered wood. This choice ensures structural strength while also being in line with sustainable practices. The wood helps the building blend into the Icelandic landscape, reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature.

Space and Interaction

A unique aspect of the plan is the use of semi-arches that enhance the design's appearance while simplifying its geometry. Central to the main room is a large table that reflects the features of the nearby crevice. This table encourages social interaction among visitors and further ties the space to its geological context. A world map on the table provides insight into Iceland’s geology, linking visitors to the land's story while they engage with the architecture around them.