Earthbaths Mývatn

Located within the protected volcanic landscape of Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland, the geothermal baths are conceived as part of the terrain itself. Lava formations uncovered during construction are integrated directly into the architecture, shaping both the buildings and the bathing landscape.

Location
Mývatn, Iceland
Status
Under Construction
Typology
Wellness
Wellness
All
All
Size
3140 m2
Year
2026
Client
Jarðböðin hf.

The project replaces the current bathing facilities at Lake Mývatn that have been damaged with a new geothermal bathing complex. Positioned beside the existing lagoon, the architecture is conceived as an extension of the terrain, where natural rock formations and geothermal features shape both the buildings and the bathing experience.

The complex includes geothermal lagoons, steam baths, changing facilities, and visitor amenities organized around the bathing landscape. Reception, retail, and restaurant spaces are in a central arrival hall, while the lagoon and bathing areas extend outward into the surrounding terrain.

The project replaces the current bathing facilities at Lake Mývatn that have been damaged with a new geothermal bathing complex. Positioned beside the existing lagoon, the architecture is conceived as an extension of the terrain, where natural rock formations and geothermal features shape both the buildings and the bathing experience.

The complex includes geothermal lagoons, steam baths, changing facilities, and visitor amenities organized around the bathing landscape. Reception, retail, and restaurant spaces are in a central arrival hall, while the lagoon and bathing areas extend outward into the surrounding terrain.

Geology is central to the design. Lava formations uncovered during construction are preserved and integrated directly into the architecture, allowing the building to emerge from the material conditions of the site. During construction, a previously unknown lava cave was discovered beneath the building. The 150-metre lava channel, containing rare crystalline formations created by geothermal activity, has since been protected and informs elements of the architectural language. Volcanic rock appears throughout as exposed surfaces, terrazzo flooring, textured concrete, and canopies.

The lagoon is shaped to protect delicate geological formations, allowing guests to move through milky-blue geothermal water within a rugged volcanic setting. Cave-like steam baths, fed by natural steam from the ground, are discreetly embedded in the landscape, while two swim-up bars define the more social areas with views across Lake Mývatn and the surrounding landscape.

Geology is central to the design. Lava formations uncovered during construction are preserved and integrated directly into the architecture, allowing the building to emerge from the material conditions of the site. During construction, a previously unknown lava cave was discovered beneath the building. The 150-metre lava channel, containing rare crystalline formations created by geothermal activity, has since been protected and informs elements of the architectural language. Volcanic rock appears throughout as exposed surfaces, terrazzo flooring, textured concrete, and canopies.

The lagoon is shaped to protect delicate geological formations, allowing guests to move through milky-blue geothermal water within a rugged volcanic setting. Cave-like steam baths, fed by natural steam from the ground, are discreetly embedded in the landscape, while two swim-up bars define the more social areas with views across Lake Mývatn and the surrounding landscape.

Changing areas are organized into three zones accommodating up to six hundred guests. Lava changing rooms incorporate exposed rock surfaces extending into the interior, while larger facilities provide additional privacy for international visitors. Separate VIP facilities offer fully private bathing environments

Changing areas are organized into three zones accommodating up to six hundred guests. Lava changing rooms incorporate exposed rock surfaces extending into the interior, while larger facilities provide additional privacy for international visitors. Separate VIP facilities offer fully private bathing environments

Credits

Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design: Basalt Architects

Project Architect: Hrólfur Karl Cela

Project Manager: Sunnefa Gunnarsdóttir

Design Team: Elín Þórisdóttir, Dagbjört Ásta Jónsdóttir, Davíð Hildiberg Aðalsteinsson, Harpa Heimisdóttir, Hekla Víglundsdóttir, Javier Bootello, Marcos Zotes, Rut Sigurmonsdóttir, Unnsteinn Jónsson

Collaborators

Landscape Design: Basalt Architects, Efla, Design Group Italia
Interior Design: Basalt Architects, Design Group Italia
Lighting Design: EFLA Engineering
Engineering:  EFLA Engineering
Contractor: Húsheild Hyrna