ARKÍS ARKITEKTAR,
VISITOR CENTER
Vatnajökull National Park Visitor Centre near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in southern Iceland centralises information services and cultural/landscape operations for the entire district of Skaftárhreppur. The shape of the building and the way it is set in the landscape are inspired by the architectural heritage of the Skaftárhreppur region, where the land was traditionally shaped and integrated into buildings, allowing architecture and landscape to merge into one through forms and materials.
A walkway on the roof and a panoramic platform offer visitors the opportunity to engage with the site's geology while enjoying a view of the Öræfajökull glacier and Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland located in Vatnajökull National Park. The building, covering about 700 square meters, is spread over one floor and a basement that houses the offices of the national park staff and a storage room.
The access paths and parking areas merge into the hilly landscape of Sönghóll without impacting the views from the nearby farms and village. The entrance plaza connects to a covered terrace for outdoor dining, which offers a view of the Skaftá River over to the east towards Öræfajökull, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park.
The roof, covered with locally sourced turf, is accessible to visitors who can enjoy a view of Vatnajökull National Park. The building was entirely designed and constructed in accordance with BREEAM international certification standards with an emphasis on the use of eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste.
All-wooden claddings, both interior and exterior, are Icelandic and come from a nearby forest, ensuring responsible sourcing and absolute traceability throughout the entire construction process.
Architects: Arkís arkitektar, Owner/client: The State Construction Agency; Photographer: Karl Vilhjálmsson
