Crafted from raw earth and aluminum, this thermal mass pavilion seamlessly integrates into the Icelandic landscape, serving as a multifunctional space for community engagement and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted primarily from locally sourced raw earth, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability.
02
The pavilion's aluminum skin provides reflective properties, reducing heat gain and optimizing interior comfort.
03
Designed to integrate seamlessly with the topography of Hverfjall, enhancing the visitor experience with natural views.
04
Utilizes a partially submerged footprint to minimize visual impact while maximizing thermal retention.
05
Incorporates flexible spaces to facilitate diverse community activities and public engagement.
General keywords
The Latitudes project is an architectural design situated in Hverfjall, Iceland. It represents a thoughtful integration of human habitation within a natural landscape marked by unique geological features. The design focuses on responding to the environmental conditions, emphasizing sustainability and the use of local materials. The resulting structure serves multiple functions, including a café, exhibition spaces, and observation points, fostering community interaction and exploration of the surrounding terrain.
Unique Design Approaches
The architectural design employs a combination of aluminum, concrete, and raw earth, carefully selected to harmonize with the rugged Icelandic terrain. This material palette not only ensures durability but also enhances energy efficiency through thermal mass, responding effectively to the local climate. Large glass facades throughout the structure create a seamless connection between interior spaces and the exterior environment, allowing natural light to flood the interior while framing views of the landscape.
The building's layout consists of a ground floor designed for communal activities, partially embedded into the earth to provide thermal comfort and mitigate heat loss. Above, the first floor houses more private functions, maximizing opportunities for social interaction while maintaining visual connections with the landscape. The rhythm of openings in the façade is meticulously planned to facilitate airflow and create changing light conditions throughout the day, reinforcing the building's relationship with its environment.
Integration of Nature and Space
The Latitudes project embodies a reactive architectural approach that prioritizes site responsiveness. The structure is designed with an emphasis on maximizing spatial fluidity, allowing for adaptable use of spaces. This approach not only serves functional needs but also encourages a sense of discovery among visitors as they navigate the structure.
Additionally, the grounding of the building through careful landscaping enhances its coexistence with the environment. By using local stone and raw earth in the design, the project blurs the boundaries between constructed space and natural terrain, offering a unique user experience. The pavilion stands as more than just a building; it reflects an architectural dialogue with the Icelandic landscape, ensuring that the project remains relevant and engaging.
For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the Latitudes project, further exploration of architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable context and understanding of the design's intent and execution.
Unique Design Approaches
The architectural design employs a combination of aluminum, concrete, and raw earth, carefully selected to harmonize with the rugged Icelandic terrain. This material palette not only ensures durability but also enhances energy efficiency through thermal mass, responding effectively to the local climate. Large glass facades throughout the structure create a seamless connection between interior spaces and the exterior environment, allowing natural light to flood the interior while framing views of the landscape.
The building's layout consists of a ground floor designed for communal activities, partially embedded into the earth to provide thermal comfort and mitigate heat loss. Above, the first floor houses more private functions, maximizing opportunities for social interaction while maintaining visual connections with the landscape. The rhythm of openings in the façade is meticulously planned to facilitate airflow and create changing light conditions throughout the day, reinforcing the building's relationship with its environment.
Integration of Nature and Space
The Latitudes project embodies a reactive architectural approach that prioritizes site responsiveness. The structure is designed with an emphasis on maximizing spatial fluidity, allowing for adaptable use of spaces. This approach not only serves functional needs but also encourages a sense of discovery among visitors as they navigate the structure.
Additionally, the grounding of the building through careful landscaping enhances its coexistence with the environment. By using local stone and raw earth in the design, the project blurs the boundaries between constructed space and natural terrain, offering a unique user experience. The pavilion stands as more than just a building; it reflects an architectural dialogue with the Icelandic landscape, ensuring that the project remains relevant and engaging.
For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the Latitudes project, further exploration of architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable context and understanding of the design's intent and execution.
