Islendigur

The Vessel or Islandigur, inspired by the Drakkar oars geometry, is a Pavilion that wants to communicate, connect and interface with the remarkable surroundings combining Icelandic tradition with technological and environmental innovation.
Located in the middle of the given site and oriented along the North and South axis, the building allows a visual connection with the most important elements of the context: Hverfjall magnificent Volcano, Grjótagjá lava cave and the near lake Mývatn. As a slice of a Volcano, the Vessel would like to interpret the natural and always changing morphology of the ground proposing a recognizable human Landmark.
A small road coming of the main 860, provides vehicular access to an outdoor landscaped Car Park of about 50 car spaces. The parking can eventually be planned to host buses too.
From the Car Park a wooden pedestrian path invites people, visually and naturally, towards the Main North entrance. On the South of the building a second, slightly elevated pedestrian connection towards the Grjótagjá lava cave, allows access directly to the Cafeteria. 
The building main technological feature is the façade. A louvres system that can open and close by the season and weather condition, allowing a constant visual connection with the breathtaking surroundings, bringing the landscape directly inside the Pavilion day and night. A comfortable external seating is provided around the building to experience and contemplate the site while a terrace, just outside  the cafeteria and South facing , offers the perfect space for outdoor activities related to the building (external projections, outdoor cafeteria, lounge). The Vessel wants to be a Landmark that gathers people indoor and outdoor.