FACTS

Location: Grindavík, Iceland

Year: 2005

Area: 2.700 m2

Client: Eldvörp hf

Status: Completed 2005

Awards: Íslensk Hönnun 2009 Exhibition, Icelandic Architecture Award 2007, Nordic Prize for Lighting 2006, Architecture Prize of DV Newspaper 2006, Mies van der Rohe 2006 nomination

 

ABOUT

While receiving the first Icelandic Architecture Award 2007 the jury report read: „the Blue Lagoon Clinic is a spa which uses mineral-rich hot water pumped from underground. it stands in a rugged mossy lava field, which is left untouched all around the low but impressive structure. Disciplined choice of building materials and the form of the building establish a clear boundary between the geometric forms of the structure and the organic natural forms, which is most effective. the surreal atmosphere is reflected in unexpected juxtapositions, and a finish which contrasts glass and black lava wall finish with the warmth of wood. All details are resolve with care, in manner which harmonizes with the whole.

 

CREDITS

Design team: 

Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir (project architect), Ingunn Lilliendahl, Olga Guðrún Sigfúsdóttir

Engineering: Verkfræðistofa Suðurnesja, Fjarhitun og Rafteikning (now Verkís)

Contractor: Atafl

Photo: Björn Th. Sigurðsson, Rafn Sigurbjörnsson