Architecture project // Translucent Shells and Steel Framework Enabling Sustainable Community Interaction

Translucent Shells and Steel Framework Enabling Sustainable Community Interaction

Author:

Jerryt Krombeen

A translucent outer shell envelops a robust steel frame, creating a community center that fosters interaction and connection while minimizing environmental impact in the Kvennagjá Grottos.

5 key facts about this project

Community center elevated 1.5 meters to prevent snow accumulation.

Footprint reduced to a quarter of its original size to restore natural areas.

Visitors access limited to five at a time for a personal experience.

Translucent materials allow internal lighting to guide visitors at night.

Steel frame construction provides durability against extreme weather conditions.

General keywords

iceland community center kvennagj grottos parking solution visitor experience sustainability natural landscape public space caf scenic approach

Project specific keywords

kvennagj translucent steel frame footprint reduction guided pathways

Höggmyndagarður is located in the Kvennagjá Grottos and aims to enhance the experience of visitors while focusing on environmental care. The design emphasizes reducing the impact of car access and revitalizing the natural landscape around it. This project integrates spaces that serve both tourists and the local community, creating a relationship between nature and the structures built within it.

Community Center
The community center stands tall at 7 meters, elevated 1.5 meters to prevent issues with snow. With four structural feet, the design reduces its impact on the ground below. This space serves as both an information center for visitors and a gathering place for locals, featuring a café-restaurant that can host up to 24 people. This multifunctionality encourages community engagement and social interaction.

Access and Parking
A roundabout parking layout is designed to handle visitor traffic effectively while creating an appealing entrance to the site. It directs guests back to the main road when parking reaches capacity, ensuring smooth movement and reducing potential congestion. By cutting down on paved areas, the design helps restore the natural beauty that existed before development.

Structural Integrity
The building utilizes a strong steel frame, offering durability and stability against harsh weather conditions. Internal systems for water, electricity, and drainage are carefully placed to keep the aesthetic of the site intact. The tower is anchored securely to the bedrock and supported by steel cables, which enhances its overall stability. A translucent outer shell allows light to shine through, guiding visitors during evening hours.

Visitor Experience
The design limits access to both the tower and cave to five people at a time, providing a more personal connection with the environment. Guided pathways protect safety, encouraging thoughtful interaction with nature while demonstrating a commitment to preserving it. Through these design elements, visitors can explore and engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.