Architecture blending Icelandic nature and culture

The Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitor Centre, which was designed by the Icelandic architectural firm ARKÍS and won first prize in a public design competition held in 2006, has been completed in the fishing village of Hellisandur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland. Construction began in 2020, and the project followed the international BREEAM certification standard, emphasizing reduced environmental impact and waste minimization throughout the entire process.

The design concept is inspired by the surrounding nature
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

This facility is more than just a building—it functions as a walking path, observation deck, and a nexus connecting culture and nature. Its form and materials draw inspiration from the local flora, fauna, topography, and culture, enriching the visitor experience.

Jökulhöfði – Architecture that merges with the landscape

Named "Jökulhöfði" (Glacial Cape), the structure is inspired by the lateral placement of a whale’s eyes, allowing for dual perspectives. From the main road, the building is visible but not entirely revealed. As visitors walk from the parking lot along a trail through a lava field, the gradually unfolding view redefines their relationship with the landscape and architecture. The interior hosts cultural, educational, and recreational functions, while the rooftop serves as an observation platform offering panoramic views of the glacier, sea, and village. A portion of the building cantilevers over the lava field, designed to appear as if it landed gently without disturbance. In this earthquake-prone region, the cantilever demanded advanced structural innovation.

The buildings connection to land and sea.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

Visitor center with Snæfellsjökull in the background
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

One of the main goals in designing the building at this location was that it would be constructed with as little disturbance as possible
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

One of the main goals in designing the building at this location was that it would be constructed with as little disturbance as possible and that it would feel as though it had landed there fully formed, without any disruption.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

A pathway runs through the center, allowing visitors to walk directly through the building from one side to the other.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

Fishbone and Glacier Cape – Two distinct volumes

The architecture consists of two primary volumes: "Glacier Cape" houses exhibition spaces, a café, and a lecture room, while "Fishbone" serves as a workspace for National Park staff. Horizontal timber cladding wraps the Glacier Cape, while vertical cladding defines the Fishbone, highlighting their differing forms and functions. A central passage allows people to walk through the building, with stairways on either side leading to the roof deck. Walking and cycling paths are integrated into the site, connecting the facility with the surrounding natural park.

café and showroom
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

showroom
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

education space
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

The National Park Visitor Center was fully designed and constructed according to the international BREEAM certification standard, which emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

café and showroom
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

BREEAM certification and sustainable architecture

The building was fully designed and constructed in line with BREEAM standards. All wood used is FSC-certified, and construction waste was closely measured and managed. The contractor was required to comply with strict environmental standards throughout the project. In operation, low-maintenance materials allow for natural weathering without compromising durability. BREEAM evaluates social and environmental integration, including local infrastructure and sustainable innovation. The Visitor Center exemplifies these principles with its seamless pedestrian integration and well-developed cycling access.

The exterior walls of the building are clad in two different types of timber cladding.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

The exterior walls of the building are clad in two different types of timber cladding.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

Stairs on both sides of the building lead up to the rooftop observation deck, which offers panoramic views of Snæfellsjökull glacier and the village Hellisandur.
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

Outside facilities
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

Light designed by Arkis architects
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

Visitor Center at night
Photo credit: Karl Vilhjálmsson

About ARKÍS

ARKÍS, founded in 1997, is an architectural firm based in Iceland that works on domestic and international projects across architecture, design, and urban planning. The firm is committed to the belief that architecture should improve quality of life by shaping environments and conditions. Known for promoting sustainable design, ARKÍS has earned numerous awards and recognitions for its innovative work.