Ring of Bjólfur Viewing Platform East Iceland, Iceland landscape design, Rural building development images
Ring of Bjólfur in East Iceland
30 August 2023
Design: Esja Architecture & Arkibygg Arkitektar
Location: Seydisfjordur, Iceland
photo © Alex Cetea & Andrei Ducu Predescu
Renders by Alex Cetea & Andrei Ducu Predescu
Ring of Bjólfur, Iceland
Ring of Bjólfur is a ring-shaped viewing platform on the slopes of Mount Bjólfur, 650 m over sea level. The platform overlooks Seydisfjordur, a narrow fjord with steep mountains in East Iceland. The simple concrete structure sits on top of the rugged landscape and hovers over the edge offering a spectacular view over the fjord and to the Atlantic Ocean.
photo © Design Team
360° Experience
The ring has a diameter of 32 meters, with a walkway and bench spanning the entire 100 m circumference. The 360° experience leads the visitors to explore the views of the mountains around, the town, the valley, and the peak of the mountain above. The slightly sloping ring structure is wheelchair accessible.
Silver Colour Palette
The ring is constructed of concrete, with an inner railing of local larch and an outer railing of slim stainless-steel posts. The three materials display a range of silver-grey colour tones: with the silver patina of the larch, the glittering reflection of the steel, and the tones of the exposed concrete changing with the weather. An important factor in the material selection is robustness and minimal maintenance, due to the harsh weather conditions and remote location. The sharp silver colour palette is in nice contrast with the brown tones of the rocky landscape it sits on.
photo © Design Team
A Viking Ring
Mount Bjólfur is named after the Viking Bjólfur who first settled in Seydisfjordur. Vikings were buried with their most precious belongings, jewelry, and weapons. It is believed that Bjólfur was buried high up in the mountain; therefore the ring-shaped structure symbolises a precious silver ring belonging to Bjólfur, the forefather of the people of the fjord.
photo © Design Team
Cantilevering Structure
The structure sits on top of the landscape in two places and cantilevers over the edge of the mountain. The load-bearing quality of the closed circle is very efficient; therefore the structure is anchored only in four points.
photo © Design Team
Construction
Construction of the Ring will begin this fall and is expected to finish in fall 2024.
The elevation of the construction site is a challenge, with unpredictable weather conditions and steep road passes, therefore every detail of the construction process is planned in advance.
The project is carried through in a cross-disciplinary collaboration between architects, landscape architects, and structural engineers, from concept through to construction.
photo © Design Team
Background
Ring of Bjólfur was the winning proposal in a prequalified competition issued by the municipality in 2021. Seydisfjordur is known for its vibrant art scene, food culture and an annual art and music festival. Seydisfjordur is also known for having the only ferry connection from Iceland to mainland Europe.
About ESJA Architecture
ESJA is an architecture practice based in Copenhagen and Reykjavik, founded by architect Audur Hreidarsdottir. With a passion for the great outdoors and urban life alike, ESJA designs spaces in remote locations as well as in the urban realm. Investigating circular design and smart use of resources is of particular interest, therefore ESJA participates in research and development projects in addition to architectural design and renovations.
photo © Design Team
Ring of Bjólfur in Iceland – Building Information
Official Project Name: Ring of Bjólfur
Location: Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Client: Mulathing Municipality
Construction: 2023-2024
Budget: ISK 190 million
Architects: Esja Architecture & Arkibygg Arkitektar
Landscape Architects: ANNA Landslagsarkitekt & Kjartan Mogensen
Engineers: AXA Nordic
photo © Alex Cetea & Andrei Ducu Predescu
Renders: Alex Cetea & Andrei Ducu Predescu
Ring of Bjólfur in East Iceland images / information received 300823 from v2com newswire
Location: East Iceland, north western Europe
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