5 key facts about this project
The Ascent is located near Hverfjall, a well-known volcano in Iceland. It serves as a visitor center designed to connect people with the natural landscape. The overall concept blends the built environment with nature, featuring a continuous ramp that leads to a gardened roof terrace. This area offers views of the volcano and the Aurora Borealis, enhancing visitors’ experiences of the surroundings.
Structural Design
A key feature of the building is the continuous ramp that wraps around its exterior. This ramp provides an engaging route for visitors, guiding them upward while allowing them to enjoy views of the landscape. From the roof terrace, guests can access informative plaques that share details about the area's geological importance, enriching their understanding of the environment.
Central Courtyard
At the center lies a spacious courtyard that incorporates greenery and a fire pit for social gatherings. This area is designed to invite nature into the space, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The courtyard also includes a circular opening that frames the views of Hverfjall and the sky, emphasizing the relationship between the interior of the building and the natural world outside.
Material Considerations
The building uses heavy timber framing, which reduces its carbon footprint while ensuring stability. The warmth of the timber contrasts with the cool, rocky landscape outside, providing comfort to visitors. A thin wood slat rainscreen on the exterior allows light to filter through while adding to the building's overall aesthetic. This choice also helps in managing solar heat gain.
Interior Experience
The inward-sloping walls of The Ascent reflect the shape of Hverfjall, enhancing the sense of height and movement as visitors move through the building. This architectural detail not only improves the interior experience but also connects the structure to the contours of the landscape. The views created by the sloping walls draw attention to the natural beauty of Iceland and encourage visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings.
