Constructed with cross-laminated timber and a green roof, the facility harmonizes with its geothermal surroundings while serving as a café and spa for visitors to enjoy unique views of Lake Myvatn.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to blend into the landscape with a green roof that supports local biodiversity.
02
Utilizes local volcanic stone for structural elements, connecting the building to its geological context.
03
Features large arched openings that enhance natural light and connectivity with the surrounding scenery.
04
Employs geothermal heating systems, maximizing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
05
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid construction and a lightweight design.
Project specific keywords
The Myvatn Lakeview Café and Spa is an architectural project situated near Lake Myvatn in Iceland. The design embodies a symbiosis between nature and built environment, engaging with the unique geological and thermal characteristics of the region. This facility serves as a café and spa, providing visitors with a tranquil space to unwind while enjoying panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
The architectural concept focuses on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. By partially embedding the building into the terrain, the design reduces visual intrusion and enhances energy efficiency. The structure employs local materials, allowing it to resonate with the distinct characteristics of the Icelandic landscape.
Design Approaches and Materiality
The innovative use of green roofs is a primary design feature of the Myvatn Lakeview Café and Spa. The gabled roofline, covered in vegetation, aids in thermal insulation and stormwater management while seamlessly integrating the building into the natural landscape. The stone base, crafted from local volcanic rock, provides structural stability and a tactile connection to the ground. These choices reflect an approach focused on local materials and sustainability.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is utilized extensively throughout the upper structure, making it lightweight and easy to assemble. This technique not only reduces the carbon footprint of the building’s construction but also evokes a sense of warmth and connection to traditional Nordic architecture. The interior features natural wood paneling and terrazzo flooring to maintain a cohesive aesthetic that emphasizes comfort and relaxation.
Special Design Features
One of the project's distinct characteristics is its focus on natural light and open spaces. Arched openings strategically placed throughout the café and spa promote visual connectivity to the landscape, enhancing the user experience. These spaces are designed to accommodate a fluid movement, enabling both social interactions and private reflection.
The incorporation of energy-efficient systems such as geothermal heating showcases the commitment to sustainability and innovation in design. This not only ensures a comfortable environment for year-round use but underscores the importance of environmentally responsible architecture in contemporary practice.
The Myvatn Lakeview Café and Spa represents a cohesive blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal while being firmly anchored in its context. Its design challenges conventional norms by demonstrating how modern architectural principles can coexist with natural landscapes. For further insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and details about the design process, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.
The architectural concept focuses on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. By partially embedding the building into the terrain, the design reduces visual intrusion and enhances energy efficiency. The structure employs local materials, allowing it to resonate with the distinct characteristics of the Icelandic landscape.
Design Approaches and Materiality
The innovative use of green roofs is a primary design feature of the Myvatn Lakeview Café and Spa. The gabled roofline, covered in vegetation, aids in thermal insulation and stormwater management while seamlessly integrating the building into the natural landscape. The stone base, crafted from local volcanic rock, provides structural stability and a tactile connection to the ground. These choices reflect an approach focused on local materials and sustainability.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is utilized extensively throughout the upper structure, making it lightweight and easy to assemble. This technique not only reduces the carbon footprint of the building’s construction but also evokes a sense of warmth and connection to traditional Nordic architecture. The interior features natural wood paneling and terrazzo flooring to maintain a cohesive aesthetic that emphasizes comfort and relaxation.
Special Design Features
One of the project's distinct characteristics is its focus on natural light and open spaces. Arched openings strategically placed throughout the café and spa promote visual connectivity to the landscape, enhancing the user experience. These spaces are designed to accommodate a fluid movement, enabling both social interactions and private reflection.
The incorporation of energy-efficient systems such as geothermal heating showcases the commitment to sustainability and innovation in design. This not only ensures a comfortable environment for year-round use but underscores the importance of environmentally responsible architecture in contemporary practice.
The Myvatn Lakeview Café and Spa represents a cohesive blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal while being firmly anchored in its context. Its design challenges conventional norms by demonstrating how modern architectural principles can coexist with natural landscapes. For further insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and details about the design process, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.
