Drawing inspiration from the volcanic basalt stone, the horizontal layers of rock, and the atmosphere of the caves and clefts of the Icelandic landscape, C.F. Møller and Arkthing have won a competition to design Landsbankinn’s newest bank in Reykjavik.
The bank’s façade is composed of primarily two materials: glass and basalt. These two elements, along with other components common in Icelandic nature, can also be found inside the building. In the foyer, a skylight opening is formed in basalt stone. In the atria, the horizontal bands of the terraces are expressed in in-situ concrete, meant to reference Icelandic rock formations.
Rendering courtesy Beauty and the Bit.
The office spaces are designed to be open and flexible and are placed into four complex houses. The different houses come together to function as one building that is oriented with views to the sea, Harpa Concert Hall, and Arnarhóll Park. The atria are inside the two tallest houses to ensure daylight reaches deep into the structure. The two lowest houses provide glazing and connections to external terraces and gardens.
Rendering courtesy Beauty and the Bit.
Public functions are located on the ground floor and along the façade, which activates a new pedestrian street leading to Harpa Concert Hall. An internal, sheltered public passage links the new facilities and creates a shortcut for the city.
Construction is planned to begin in early 2019.
Rendering courtesy Beauty and the Bit.
C.F. Møller Architects / Arkthing.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jun 29, 2016
Best Tall Buildings around the world favor unusual shapes and hybrid functions
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat selects winners in four regions.
Office Buildings | Jun 16, 2016
Ability to focus, not perks, is top concern for office employees
Open-plan offices found to worsen distraction problem.
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2016
WilkinsonEyre designs diamond-patterned Bay Park Centre for Toronto
A sloping plaza with trees, grass, and gardens connects the two downtown towers.
Office Buildings | Jun 14, 2016
Let's not forget introverts when it comes to workplace design
Recent design trends favor extroverts who enjoy collaboration. HDR's Lynn Mignola says that designers need to accommodate introverts, people who recharge with solitude, as well.
Movers+Shapers | Jun 13, 2016
THE DISRUPTORS: The Millennial generation is imposing its will on design
AEC firms, particularly those that design hotels and offices, gain a competitive edge by knowing how to appeal to the largest share of the American workforce.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2016
Buildings that invest in wellbeing see healthy returns
Healthy workers are more productive workers, but fitness can be tough when employees at the office for 50 hours a week. Perkins+Will's Janine Grossmann offers the wellness components that landlords and companies should prioritize.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2016
Form4 designs curved roofs for project at Stanford Research Park
Fabricated of painted recycled aluminum, the wavy roofs at the Innovation Curve campus will symbolize the R&D process and make four buildings more sustainable.
Office Buildings | Jun 7, 2016
Incorporating places to rejuvenate into office design
Workspaces are geared toward socializing and collaboration, but people need quiet, calm places where they can sit alone and focus. Gensler's Penny Lewis offers three ways to design rejuvenation places into office settings.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2016
JLL report: Retail renovation drives construction growth in 2016
Retail construction projects were up nearly 25% year-over-year, and the industrial and office construction sectors fared well, too. Economic uncertainty looms over everything, however.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.
