/VAR-MÁR-LAUG/
Noun
The Icelandic word that translates to a “Warm Spring Pool”
INTRODUCING REYKJAVIK
Iceland, located in a climatically critical part of the North Atlantic, is an island where earth, air, fire and ice literary meet, and its environs are a key region of ocean–atmosphere interaction, atmospheric dynamics and cyclogenesis. Reykjavík is located in the southwest of Iceland. The Reykjavík area coastline is characterized by peninsulas, coves, straits, and islands
–Wang and Rogers
Introducing Reykjavik
General Climatic Analysis
Contextual Climatic Analysis | Solar Path
Contextual Climatic Analysis | Wind Analysis
Contextual Climatic Analysis | Geothermal Hotspots
Contextual Climatic Analysis | Light Pollution
Site Selection
HYPERBOLOID COMPOSITION
GRID DEVELOPMENT
REMBRANT ANALYSIS
Reykjadalur is indeed one of the most stunningly located natural hot springs in Iceland. Surrounded by majestic mountains and steaming vents, it offers a perfect escape to spend a few hours in this otherwise chilly country. However, it’s worth noting that due to its location along the shallow sun path, the area is prone to experiencing extreme weather conditions, including high-speed winds.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Volcanic eruptions and natural hot springs are the most beautiful natural phenomenon of Iceland. The form of Varmalaug is inspired by Iceland’s landscape elements – the rugged mountains, and volcanoes. It’s simple yet magnificent form, which houses the thermal bath, blends with the mountains surrounding it.
Built Form | Generation
Built Form | Iterations
The fundamental concept behind the grid is for it to conform to the underlying geometry, rather than serving as a defining factor of it.
ROBOTIC STEREOTOMY
The goal was to establish a robotic fabrication and generative workflow for the diamond wire cutting of stone blocks as well as hot wire cutting of foam. The strength of the method in an architectural context is above all its applicability at an architectural scale and its efficient speed when it comes to producing customized building pieces.
