5 key facts about this project
The facility located near Reykjahlíð is designed to promote engagement with environmental education in a tranquil natural setting. The overall design concept emphasizes transparency and functionality, inviting visitors to interact with the building’s systems while learning about sustainable practices. A central grid-structured façade enhances vertical circulation, connecting users to the technical elements integrated throughout the space.
SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Every aspect of the building has a focus on sustainable resource management. Rainwater is collected and filtered for use, while geothermal energy supplies the facility's electrical needs. Inside, elements are color-coded to represent different resources: red for electricity, green for air, and blue for water. This approach helps visitors understand the vital connections between these systems and serves the educational purpose of the center by clarifying these critical interactions.
PREFABRICATED ELEMENTS
The construction process employs prefabricated repetitive elements, assembled on-site to ensure efficiency. This method not only decreases construction time and costs but also makes use of local materials, reducing transportation impacts. Metal components are prominently used, supporting the building's sustainability goals and reflecting the characteristics of the surrounding landscape.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR INTEGRATION
A clear distinction exists between the materials used inside and outside the building. The exterior features metal cladding, while warm wooden panels create a more inviting atmosphere within. This careful choice of materials contributes to both comfort and a sense of harmony with the natural environment.
As visitors move through the levels of the building, they encounter various functions, starting from reception areas to exhibition spaces and culminating at a viewing platform. Each ascent reveals new perspectives, allowing for greater interaction with the landscape. The building engages visitors with expansive views of the surrounding fissures, enhancing their connection to the natural world.