brok

GAP

Hrossaborg, located in northern Iceland, is an extinct volcanic crater known as the "horse castle." The area has a single entrance and is surrounded by mountains on all sides, allowing horses to rest here for centuries, living in harmony with nature. Our project aims to reinterpret and preserve this unique connection in a modern architectural context. The surrounding volcanic crater offers a strong expression, both in terms of mythology and its natural context. The raw power and silence of the crater have been a central theme in our design. Our goal is to integrate this natural form with the architecture, preserving the crater's historical and environmental significance.

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When designing the spatial hierarchy, we aimed to create fluid relationships between open and closed areas. The key concept, the "gap", creates an open connection between the crater, the accommodation units, and communal areas, ensuring the preservation of the crater's public nature. The sunken communal spaces, with courtyards opening between them, enhance the visual connection between spaces while strengthening their relationship with daylight.

 

The accommodation and stable units are seamlessly integrated into the topography of the site. The load-bearing walls made from volcanic stones not only highlight the use of local materials but also emphasize the strong relationship we've established with the surrounding context. Just as we create structures from the stones we excavate from the earth, one day we can dismantle the building and allow it to return to nature. By incorporating this cyclical principle, we aim to create structures that coexist harmoniously with the environment through their entire life cycle.

 

The roof structure, made from CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), allows us to create a lightweight and environmentally-friendly construction. The use of wood reduces energy consumption while offering an aesthetic that blends with nature. The design maintains a strong connection between the built form and the landscape, both structurally and visually.

 

The entrance is defined by an opening between two stone walls made from volcanic rocks. This approach references the historical fabric of the site while inviting users to merge with the unique natural environment it offers. The materials and form language follow nature's own aesthetic rules, making the project feel like a natural extension of the landscape.

This project aims to balance the power of nature with human intervention, creating a sustainable, context-sensitive, and functional living space. By developing a design that aligns with the historical and natural character of Hrossaborg Crater, we seek to carry the legacy of the past into the future.

Client:

YAC

Year:

2024

Location:

Iceland

Status:

Concept