Martynas Degutis+Justus Würtenberger+Michael Samson
While discovering the partly dangerous caves, extraordinary spatial atmospheres can be experienced. The main goal is to transfer the identity of the caves into architecture.
Vogar farmland
icelands unique landscape consists of a multitude of breathtaking natural forces. Vogar farmland stands for its special location at the continental divide between Europe and America. Surrounded by burnt-out lava the Grjátagjá has been formed over thousends of years. In the middle of an incredible scenery the caves with their hot geothermal pools invite the visitors to take a break and slow down from their hiking adventures.
Grjótagjá
The two caves, Karlagjá and Kvennagjá offer unusual insights into the depths of mother earth and allow to get into the field of geology. While discovering the partly dangerous caves, extraordinary spatial atmospheres can be experienced. The main goal is to transfer the identity of the caves into architecture.
Concept
the design proposal is directly related to the cave and transformed the existing topography into a monolith sculpture that has arised of the inspiring rocky nature. The building structure was shaped by different local natural impacts. The “Klamm” (gorge) was born and It serves as both a landmark and a shelter.
By subtractivly removing the building mass we create exciting spatial sequences wich plays with the interaction of inside and outside, narrow and wide as well as with light and shadow. Via an small, hidden entry the visitor’s path leads across the terrain into the void of the “Klamm” up to the edge of the gorge. The new level functions as an waiting area with café before entering the monolith diving into the architectural abstraction. Before ending at the stunning 360° viewing platform the visitor are able to rest and explore different spatial spaces.
Authors: Martynas Degutis+Justus Würtenberger+Michael Samson
Location: Grjótagjá, Iceland.
University: Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.
Year: 2020
Competition: Iceland Cave Tower.
Prize: Honorable mention.