570
2016 ¥ 6 ∂
Holiday Cottages in Brekkuskógur Architects: PK Arkitektar, Reykjavik Team: Pálmar Kristmundsson, Andrew Burges, Fernando de Mendonca, Erna Vestmann, Sunna Dóra Sigurjónsdóttir, Liidia Grinko Structural engineers: Verkfræðistofa Þráinn og Benedikt, Reykjavik Others involved in the project: see page 644
Some 90 minutes by car from Reykjavik, set amidst Arctic vegetation and with a view of the nearby mountains and Lake Laugarvatn, stand two identical cottages. They are a modern interpretation of traditional Icelandic turf houses that seem to merge with the landscape. The folded roofs of the present cottages are covered with a layer of vegeta tion, which was removed from the site prior to construction and set aside for reuse. An embankment created from excavated soil shields the terrace from the wind and forms a transition between house and landscape. The architects firmly believe in meticulous planning as a means of ensuring economi cal design. The cottages have a straight forward layout with only a small circulation area and simple detailing. High quality materials were used to guaran tee durability and minimize maintenance costs. The timber structure is clad externally with vertical hardwood strips, the surfaces of which were charred to optimize their re sistance to the elements. Internally, the strip finishings to the ceiling follow the same grid. Restrained colours – white walls and grey polished concrete floors – plus the simple furnishings and large areas of glazing mean that the natural Icelandic surroundings play a central role in the interior. The energy sup ply is from geothermal sources, so that the two cottages can be used on an emissionfree basis.
Site plan scale 1:5000 Sections Layout plan scale 1:200 1 Room 2 Kitchen 3 Living / Dining room 4 Store 5 Refuse space 6 “Hot pot”
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