Volcano Horsemen Retreat

Location: Hrossborg Crater, Iceland

October 2024

Project in collaboration with: Jiajun Cheng, Xiaoxian Wang, Bentian Wang, Anqi Wang

Finalist for Young Architects Competition

Our proposal integrates seamlessly with the natural environment by extending the elegant curvature of the volcano into the building’s design. The structure features a folded green roof that echoes the surrounding mountain silhouettes. The roof’s height varies based on programmatic needs and transitions into a publicly accessible observation deck, offering panoramic views of the volcano. This green roof pays homage to Norwegian vernacular architecture and, when viewed from above, resembles a green leaf that invites visitors to pass through and experience the scenery beyond.

The building is organized into three zones: visitor lodging, stables, and a central area housing public programs such as restaurant, retail, and children’s spaces. The public area extends the existing mountain path, creating a threshold that divides yet connects the path ascending the mountain and the volcano pit. Visitors can pass through the public zone without disturbing activities in the lodging or stables.

The stables feature 50 modular units for horses, with a curved form and pitched roof that guide the eye toward the picturesque horizon. The repetitive timber units ensure cost-effective construction. The transparent glazed façade minimizes the building’s visual impact, while the gentle roof structure blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, making the building feel like a natural extension of the beautiful landscape.