A striking holiday home in Borgarnes, Iceland, demonstrates how architecture can harmonize with dramatic natural landscapes through sensitive design and material choices. Designed by the local architecture firm Teiknistofan Tröð, the 1,065-square-foot residence sits in a secluded valley in southwest Iceland, surrounded by untouched vegetation including mountain birch, heather, and native grasses. The structure's composition responds directly to the site's topography, with a gently sloping terrain that falls away toward a large lake offering expansive views of distant mountains. This project exemplifies a growing movement in Nordic architecture that prioritizes environmental integration over visual dominance.
The building's exterior features two distinct roof forms that help it blend into the landscape while creating architectural interest. A long, horizontal main wing follows the natural contour lines of the site and is topped with an almost flat roof covered in living moss, allowing the structure to disappear into the surrounding vegetation from certain angles. Perpendicular to this low form, a taller volume rises with a pitched roof clad in zinc, creating a contrasting element that references traditional Icelandic building forms. A separate outbuilding houses a sauna and storage space, also finished with zinc roofing. All facades are clad in untreated vertical larch paneling that will weather naturally over time, gradually turning silver-gray and further integrating the home with its environment. This deliberate material selection ensures the building will age gracefully alongside the landscape.
Inside, the home is organized around a long internal corridor that runs along the northern side of the building, connecting all functional spaces efficiently. The entrance, bathrooms, and storage areas are located along this corridor, freeing up the southern side for the primary living spaces and bedrooms that take advantage of panoramic lake and mountain views. The interior walls are clad in untreated aspen paneling, which creates a calm, natural atmosphere while reflecting light throughout the spaces. Floors are finished with durable concrete tiles equipped with underfloor heating, a necessity in the harsh Nordic climate. Ceilings alternate between timber paneling and acoustic stretch fabric, carefully balancing warmth and acoustic performance to create comfortable living environments.
The architects paid particular attention to creating usable outdoor spaces despite Iceland's challenging weather conditions. Multiple terraces are strategically positioned to provide shelter from wind regardless of direction, enabling year-round outdoor enjoyment. This climate-responsive design approach demonstrates sophisticated understanding of local environmental challenges. The building's form and orientation maximize solar gain when available while protecting against prevailing winds. Every design decision reflects a commitment to creating a home that functions effectively in extreme conditions without sacrificing connection to the outdoors.
The use of untreated natural materials throughout the project represents a conscious environmental ethic that rejects the idea of architecture as a static, perfect object. By allowing wood to weather naturally and incorporating a living moss roof, the architects minimized maintenance requirements while reducing the building's visual impact. The structure's footprint was carefully considered to disturb the site as little as possible during construction. This approach creates a home that doesn't just sit on the landscape but becomes part of its ecological and aesthetic continuum. The design philosophy emphasizes patience—accepting that the building's most beautiful state will emerge over years of exposure to the elements rather than appearing fully formed on day one.
Photographer Nanne Springer documented the project extensively, capturing how the architecture frames views of the pristine Icelandic wilderness while providing shelter from harsh weather. The images reveal a building that is simultaneously modest and sophisticated, prioritizing environmental sensitivity over architectural spectacle. In a world where second homes often impose themselves on sensitive landscapes, this Borgarnes retreat offers a compelling model for how architecture can respect and enhance natural settings. The project has garnered attention from international design publications for its thoughtful approach to sustainability, context, and the creation of spaces that feel both protective and open to the dramatic beauty of Iceland's untouched wilderness.
