Hverfjall Museum
Personal Work | Shortlisted Project | 2019
The competition sought applicants to create a multi functioning space that included exhibit spaces, café, and administration. The museum draws inspiration from the rich surrounding environment. The site is located between a volcano and a lake.
The design takes its cues from the natural materials and building types from Iceland. Traditional stone, wood, and earth dwellings traditional in Iceland informs the design and influences the movement through the spaces. The architecture is built from the site, the volcanic stone acts as a wrap to shelter the building from the extremes of the Icelandic climate.
As the seasons change so too do the building materials making the design at one with its environs. Low carbon concrete, mass timber, geothermal HVAC, and water collection are all strategies used to minimize the impact of the building on its environment.
The project creates a museum that connects with the site and showcases not only the exhibits but tells the story of traditional Icelandic buildings, the changing seasons, and the rich environment. Chosen as a shortlisted project for Bee Breeders.
Program:
Office space.
Restrooms. Entry and reception. Coat check.
Main gallery.
Smaller gallery or gift shop.
Full height windows for views.
Cafe which seats at least 40. Kitchen.
Footpath from below.
Footpath at grade.
Rock climbing wall to turf roof.
Underground parking.
Second story office.
Ground Floor Plan
Construction and the Carbon Story:
Local and on site stone provide shelter from the wind, reduces carbon from transport.
CLT Panels (low carbon wood product) provide the structure which holds the turf insulated roof made from on site earth from excavations.
Glulam beams (low carbon wood product) allow for an open gallery with long spans.
Glulam columns (low carbon wood product) allow for an open gallery with long spans.
Turf insulated roof made from on site earth from excavations. Low carbon concrete (reduces CO2 output) provides slab and footings, a raised access floor allows for seamless HVAC systems.
Water collection tanks reuse runoff from rain water collected below grade.
