SHELTER BY THE MÝVATN LAKE IN ICELAND

Wroclaw University of Technology, (Politechnika Wrocławska), Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław

Project idea

Iceland is famous for its amazing landscapes and still existing wildlife. Unfortunately, at the moment, there is a difficulty in setting the clear border between the observation of this nature, and negative interference in it. Despite the cool climate and short summer season, the number of tourist still increases rapidly. Although it has a positive impact on the state economy, unfortunately, it gradually leads to the degradation of the natural environment. There is a certain challenge, that consists the creation of a space that is supposed to peacefully integrate the tourist activity of man with the sensitivity of nature.

Due to its location, the Myvatn Lake has an unusual microclimate on the scale of Iceland. It has developed unusual fauna and flora. That is why the area offers many tourist attractions. Among them, there is one of the largest concentrations of water birds in the world. This area is also very characteristically divided into two zones. First one, the zone of the lake’s panorama - coherent and harmonious is complemented by the second one, dynamic zone of extinct volcanoes. These relationships were the main project inspiration for creating architecture that emphasized the viewing axis of this place.

Project description

The horizontal form of the elongated building presents itself in the landscape as a geometrically accented topographic line.
The solid creates a new look at the viewing axis of this place. Its minimalist, simple form skillfully fits into the surroundings of such a strong character.

All visualizations present a view showing a panorama around the entire building. Pictures emphasise the importance of the landscape reflection in the facade. That incorporates the object into the environment and affects positively on its reception.

1. The basic element is a light frame structure created out of prefabricated steel profiles. The frame creates stiffening, as an answer for the seismic activity of the area. Additionally, there are properly placed foundation piles, which result in action of oblique forces. That immobilizes the building.

2. The next element is the platform, which serves as an observation deck. To increase the comfort of use the whole surface is covered by geothermal heating.

3. The core of the building are modules that act as a shelter. After a proper connection, they create characteristic viewpoints which emphasize the qualities of this place - the tops of extinct volcanoes.

4. Glazed façade provides natural lightning and surprises guests with a panoramic view of the area. In addition, it protects the interior from harsh weather conditions.
Mosquito net for midges, which in this area are a very troublesome phenomenon.

5. The closing elements are roofs, whose appropriate inclination helps in gathering rainwater. Most of all, the skylights located above the sleeping modules allow observation of stars and aurorae during the polar night, without leaving the room.

The building's body is build out of a certain number of modules, which are a response to the demand for such tourist function in the area. As a shelter, the structure primarily provides accommodation modules, technical-sanitary ones, storages and kitchen space with a dining area. An additional recreational element is a module with a sauna, which is an obvious part of the newly designed shelters in Iceland.
A stable for horses is also a building proposed in a given area. It is a duplication of the character of the body with the matching of appropriate functions.
The possibility of multiplying modules makes it possible to adapt them to your needs.
Each module takes the form of a thermally insulated building structural element. The presented accommodation module has a separate bathroom with its own water reservoir, a kitchenette with a seat and a night part located on the mezzanine

Technical information

The biggest design challenge was the inability to connect the building to urban installation network, which is why a number of alternative solutions enabling the free operation of the building were used. Energy for heating the building, electricity and heating of the water is provided by geothermal energy. For this purpose, the own drilling was used to obtain this energy.
Due to the use of the building throughout the year, the thermal comfort behavior was obtained thanks to sheep's wool, which is a local material, extremely efficient. The object is adapted for natural ventilation in the communication part, and in individual modules innovative mechanical ventilation was used, arranged in the floor layers. The building also uses composting toilets as well as aerators in shower taps that save water.
Due to the frequent rainfall in this climate, the fall of the roof slopes allows rainwater to flow into special storage tanks, and in the case of excess water, it will be discharged directly into the ground.

The building meets its assumptions of the tourist shelter, at the same time fulfilling the function of a observational point. The later itself becomes a tourist attraction. During the creative process, the principles of sustainable design were considered in order to fully make visitors aware of the unique character of the place. Views of nature were a key element of the project. Each space was shaped to form a whole with the other ones. Simultaneously, each of them offers a different, uniquely framed picture of beautiful nature. An additional asset of the block is the frame intended only for the observation of stars and aurora bores, so that external stimuli do not interfere with this phenomenon. The geometry of the solid has been reduced to the minimal expression of architecture through the line. Glass facades reflect the landscapes like a mirror, making the building intertwine with the surroundings and emphasizing the beautiful and irregular shapes of the scenery of such a strong character.
The shelter at the Mývatn Lake becomes the scenic heart of this place, where the landscape becomes a building and building becomes a landscape.

Co-authors

dr hab. inż. arch Anna Bać

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