Architecture project // Inward Sloping Timber Structure Connecting Visitors to Hverfjall

Inward Sloping Timber Structure Connecting Visitors to Hverfjall

Author:

Austin Autrey

The inward sloping timber structure offers a unique vantage point for observing Hverfjall and the Northern Lights, while providing an educational visitor center that connects people with the natural landscape.

5 key facts about this project

The continuous ramp allows visitors to ascend while enjoying views of both the volcano and the night sky.

The central courtyard incorporates a fire pit to encourage social interaction among visitors.

Informational plaques are strategically placed along the roof terrace to educate about local geology.

Inward sloping walls mirror the shape of Hverfjall, enhancing the connection between the building and the landscape.

Heavy timber framing reduces the project's carbon footprint, aligning with sustainable building practices.

General keywords

iceland visitor center hverfjall roof terrace central courtyard heavy timber nature integration education public access sustainability

Project specific keywords

timber framing continuous ramp aurora views inward sloping informational plaques

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.