SELF INITIATED PROJECT: ICELAND THERMAL PREMIUM LIVING

SELF- INITIATED PROJECT: ICELAND THERMAL PREMIUM LIVING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PORTFOLIO

AISHWARYA NAIR

INTRODUCTION Immersing one in the fresh Icelandic nature in a design that uses and maximizes the sustainability of natural resources, yet providing one the luxury and exclusivity of living comfort in the standards enjoyed by high end celebrities.

Introducing to you Iceland Thermal Springs Premium Living; the luxurious exclisive extention of Vogafjรณs Farm Resort- for the celebrity in you.

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ABOUT THE LOCATION

Iceland is a small Nordic island country situated between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean.

With a population of less than 333,000, it is the most sparsely populated country in Europe, with the majority of that population living in the capital city, Reykjavik, and the surrounding areas.

Iceland has comparatively low taxes and yet maintains a Nordic social welfare system, which provides universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens. Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable energy, and its main industries are fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Located on the east coast of Lake Mývatn in Northern Iceland, the Vogafjós Farm Resort is a family-owned guest house surrounded by breathtaking Icelandic landscape.

With views of lava rocks and birch trees set against the stark surroundings, it makes the perfect location to spot the northern lights and visit the nearby geothermal hot springs that Iceland is famous for.

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VERNACULAR BUILDING DESIGN

Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable energy, and hence promotes sustainability in every technological aspect- including architecture.

The vernacular Icelandic architecture is characterised by turf walls androofs. Because of its biodegradable properties and susceptibility to wind and rain erosion, turf houses became their primary shelter.

The durability, renewability and availability of turf resulted in positive impact on the building, comfort and health of the occupants.

Thick turf walls protected the residents against the harsh outdoor conditions, but had little effect on indoor air quality.

Even today, the use of green walls and thick turf roofs is very prominent in contemporary buildings in modern day Iceland.

Top Right: Traditional Icelandic architecture Bottom Right: Use of turf roofs in contemporary buildings

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PROJECT AIM

To provide a luxurious, celebrity like living experience, privacy and exclusivity for the guests.

To promote and justify the idea of "sustainable architecture" in terms of costs, material and various elements of construction.

To maintain the authenticity of Iceland's local architecture.

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DESIGN CONCEPT AND ZONING

Radial distribution of spaces according to their purpose and functionality, effectively separates the public from the private spaces.

Thus providing more privacy to the end user.

In order to break the linearity of private spaces, semi private spaces act as a “breakout zone� which can be used by both the incoming guests and also by the temporary audience.

Zoning and spatial organization of the proposed resort

Turf roofs play a significant role in traditional Icelandic architecture.

In olden days, due to scarcity of building materials, use of available ground cover with oak or birch wood were used as a base material for shelter which effectively provided safety and insulation from harsh cold climate.

Use of accessible green roofs is a sustainable design solution in terms of functionality and aesthetics in contemporary architecture.

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Common living room for the guests meant for leisure activities; overlooking an open courtyard.

Common dining hall with attached kitchen and store room.

En suite bedrooms with attached washroom and balcony; in ground-hot tub included.

SITE LAYOUT AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION Seating area acting as break-out spaces.

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FRONT ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION

Accessible Green Roof

Guest Parking

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SECTION A-A'

Common Living Room

En-suite Bedroom

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Restaurant and Kitchen

Guest Waiting Area

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REFERENCES

beebreeders.com nationalgeoraphic.com researchgate.net wikipedia.org

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AISHWARYA NAIR

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO