Vinnustofa Arkitekta - The Blue Lagoon

Vinnustofa Arkitekta
The Blue Lagoon
Illahraun Lava Field
Iceland

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

The new Blue Lagoon, in the middle of a volcanic lava landscape, is the first phase in a complex that will house health and tourist services. The design emphasizes the contrast between modern technology and the unique natural surroundings. The Blue Lagoon was named after the blue color of the hot, salty surplus water that is pumped into the lava hollow by the Svartengsi power plant a kilometer away, the site of the original Blue Lagoon.

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

The building is set on the fringe of the Illahraun lava field. The 200?meter?long pathway from the parking area to the main entrance leads guests into a gully and through the lava barrier. Inside the building the gully is continued by a manmade lava wall which leads through the entry hall, restaurant area, and onward to a terrace at the water's edge. At this point, the manmade wall again becomes the natural rim that surrounds the lagoon. The illuminated columns within the glazed walls of the main building define the building when seen from the lagoon

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

The entry hall provides access to the changing rooms and bathing area, the restaurant and conference areas, and the tourist shop. A steel and glass footbridge crosses the Entry Hall on the second floor level.

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

The bathing area, which is approximately 5,000 square meters, is visible through the glass wall of the Entry Hall and Restaurant. Footbridges connect the various islands and beaches surrounding the lagoon. The low exterior illumination is reflected in the water and, with the steam, creates a mysterious atmosphere.

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

The milky seawater of the lagoon is also used in the interior pools, and trickles down a freestanding wall that absorbs the green algae and the white silica mud.

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Future phases of the building complex will include a hotel, a psoriasis treatment center, conference and restaurant facilities, and additional recreational and leisure facilities. Later phases will not interrupt existing functions, and each facility will operate as an independent entity.

Client: Eldvörp

Vinnustofa Arkitekta
Design team:
Sigridur Sigthorsdottir, FAI,
Hrobjartur Hrobjartsson,
Anna Sigridur Johannesdottir, FAI,
Edda Porsdottir, FAI,
Richard Olafur Briem, FAI,
Sigurdur Bjorgulfsson, FAI,
Steinunn Halldorsdottir, interior architect FHI

Consulting Engineers: Honnun; Rafteikning; Lagnatækni

Main Building: 2,700 square meters
Completed: April 1999

Vinnustofa Arkitekta Partners:
Sigurdur Bjorgulfsson
Hrobjartur Hrobjartsson
Sigridur Sigthorsdottir,
Richard Olafur Briem

Skólavördustigur 12
Reykjavík,
Iceland
Fax: 354 530 6991

June 8, 2000

About: Vinnustofa Arkitekta





				Features
		Vinnustofa Arkitekta The Blue Lagoon Illahraun Lava Field Iceland Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson The new Blue Lagoon, in the middle of a volcanic lava landscape, is the first phase in a complex that will house health and tourist services. The design emphasizes the contrast between modern technology and the unique natural surroundings. The Blue Lagoon was named after the blue color of the hot, salty surplus water that is pumped into the lava hollow by the Svartengsi power plant a kilometer away, the site of the original Blue Lagoon. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson The building is set on the fringe of the Illahraun lava field. The 200?meter?long pathway from the parking area to the main entrance leads guests into a gully and through the lava barrier. Inside the building the gully is continued by a manmade lava wall which leads through the entry hall, restaurant area, and onward to a terrace at the water's edge. At this point, the manmade wall again becomes the natural rim that surrounds the lagoon. The illuminated columns within the glazed walls of the main building define the building when seen from the lagoon Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson The entry hall provides access to the changing rooms and bathing area, the restaurant and conference areas, and the tourist shop. A steel and glass footbridge crosses the Entry Hall on the second floor level. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson The bathing area, which is approximately 5,000 square meters, is visible through the glass wall of the Entry Hall and Restaurant. Footbridges connect the various islands and beaches surrounding the lagoon. The low exterior illumination is reflected in the water and, with the steam, creates a mysterious atmosphere. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson The milky seawater of the lagoon is also used in the interior pools, and trickles down a freestanding wall that absorbs the green algae and the white silica mud. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson Future phases of the building complex will include a hotel, a psoriasis treatment center, conference and restaurant facilities, and additional recreational and leisure facilities. Later phases will not interrupt existing functions, and each facility will operate as an independent entity. Client: Eldvörp Vinnustofa Arkitekta Design team: Sigridur Sigthorsdottir, FAI, Hrobjartur Hrobjartsson, Anna Sigridur Johannesdottir, FAI, Edda Porsdottir, FAI, Richard Olafur Briem, FAI, Sigurdur Bjorgulfsson, FAI, Steinunn Halldorsdottir, interior architect FHI Consulting Engineers: Honnun; Rafteikning; Lagnatækni Main Building: 2,700 square meters Completed: April 1999 Vinnustofa Arkitekta Partners: Sigurdur Bjorgulfsson Hrobjartur Hrobjartsson Sigridur Sigthorsdottir, Richard Olafur Briem Skólavördustigur 12 Reykjavík, Iceland Fax: 354 530 6991 June 8, 2000 About: Vinnustofa Arkitekta