Utilizing a facade of local lava stone and cross-laminated timber, the retreat harmonizes with its geothermal setting to provide a functional guest house that engages deeply with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a facade composed entirely of locally sourced lava stone for thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and panoramic views.
04
Integrates geothermal heating systems drawn from the surrounding environment.
05
Includes communal spaces that promote guest interaction while maintaining privacy.
General keywords
The Steinar Thermal Springs Guest House is an architectural project located in the Myvatn area of Iceland, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding geothermal landscape. This building captures the essence of its environment, creating a space that enhances the guest experience while fostering a connection with nature. It serves as an accommodation facility, offering various types of guest rooms designed for comfort and interaction with the unique Icelandic scenery.
The project's design focuses on sustainability and functionality, prioritizing energy efficiency and eco-friendliness owing to its proximity to geothermal resources, which can be harnessed for heating. Through innovative architectural solutions, the building facilitates year-round occupancy while promoting a low environmental impact.
Innovative Design Approaches
One of the unique aspects of this project is its use of local materials, particularly lava stone, which serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. The choice of local stone not only provides durability but also visually integrates the structure into the volcanic landscape. Beyond the facade, the use of large glass windows creates an optical connection to the surrounding environment, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and providing guests with expansive views of the picturesque landscape.
Distinctive architectural elements include the intentional use of vertical space. The guest house is composed of interconnected pods, each serving different accommodation types. This approach not only capitalizes on the building's height for expansive views but also encourages social interaction among guests while maintaining private areas.
Flexibility and Adaptation
The layout of the Steinar Thermal Springs Guest House is designed for flexibility, accommodating diverse guest needs. The varying types of rooms cater to solitary travelers, couples, and families, thereby enhancing the overall functionality of the project. Communal spaces, including a reception area, kitchen, sauna, and hot tubs, are strategically placed to encourage guest interaction while preserving individual privacy.
This project exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond utilizing geothermal energy, the design incorporates an effective thermal insulation strategy through the integration of local materials, minimizing energy consumption. The architectural design reflects a responsibility towards ecological stewardship while enriching guest experiences with an authentic connection to the site’s distinctive natural features.
For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including insights into the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.
The project's design focuses on sustainability and functionality, prioritizing energy efficiency and eco-friendliness owing to its proximity to geothermal resources, which can be harnessed for heating. Through innovative architectural solutions, the building facilitates year-round occupancy while promoting a low environmental impact.
Innovative Design Approaches
One of the unique aspects of this project is its use of local materials, particularly lava stone, which serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. The choice of local stone not only provides durability but also visually integrates the structure into the volcanic landscape. Beyond the facade, the use of large glass windows creates an optical connection to the surrounding environment, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and providing guests with expansive views of the picturesque landscape.
Distinctive architectural elements include the intentional use of vertical space. The guest house is composed of interconnected pods, each serving different accommodation types. This approach not only capitalizes on the building's height for expansive views but also encourages social interaction among guests while maintaining private areas.
Flexibility and Adaptation
The layout of the Steinar Thermal Springs Guest House is designed for flexibility, accommodating diverse guest needs. The varying types of rooms cater to solitary travelers, couples, and families, thereby enhancing the overall functionality of the project. Communal spaces, including a reception area, kitchen, sauna, and hot tubs, are strategically placed to encourage guest interaction while preserving individual privacy.
This project exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond utilizing geothermal energy, the design incorporates an effective thermal insulation strategy through the integration of local materials, minimizing energy consumption. The architectural design reflects a responsibility towards ecological stewardship while enriching guest experiences with an authentic connection to the site’s distinctive natural features.
For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including insights into the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.
