5 key facts about this project
### Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the "Iceland Spar" serves as a way-finding hut for hikers and travelers, designed to resonate with the region's geological characteristics and the historical navigation practices of the Vikings. Its form combines prismatic transparency with functional elements, established within the context of Iceland's dramatic landscape, which includes glaciers, mountains, and distinctive light conditions.
### Spatial Strategy
The hut's spatial organization enhances user experience while allowing for natural light and environmental interaction. The ground floor features a lobby leading to a shared sleeping area for up to ten individuals, designed with volcanic-rock cladding to provide a calming environment during the cold nights. On the first floor, washing facilities are arranged in a semi-open layout, benefiting from daylight filtered through polycarbonate cladding. The second floor functions as a communal living space, promoting social interaction with high ceilings and expansive views. A roof terrace on the third floor offers panoramic vistas, strategically oriented to highlight natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights.
### Material and Structural Integrity
The material palette emphasizes durability and sustainability, incorporating polycarbonate cladding for its lightweight properties and natural light diffusion. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is utilized for structural support, providing strength while harmonizing aesthetically with the landscape. A volcanic pebble finish at the base integrates the hut with its surroundings, while operable panels facilitate natural ventilation. The structural system employs innovative timber bracing strategies, maximizing strength without adding excessive weight, ensuring a robust yet visually appealing frame that responds to the environmental challenges of the area.