Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base activates the potential of a historic outdoor area in an exciting way, with well-designed facilities and diverse services and entertainment.
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Kerlingafjöll Highland Base by the design team of the Blue Lagoon, Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia is nominated as the place of the year at the Design Awards 2024. The award ceremony will take place on November 7 in Gróska.
The jury”s reasoning can be read below:
“Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base activates the potential of a historic outdoor area in an exciting way, with well-designed facilities and diverse services and entertainment. Mt Kerlingarfjöll are now a year-round destination in Iceland’s central highlands, in spectacular but fragile nature. Universal design is paramount and during all constructions, from initial drafts to carpenter’s work, conservation and heritage sites in the area have been taken into account.
During the design, the BREEAM eco-certification system was considered and emphasis was placed on sustainability, i.a. in the choice of materials where wood is reused and stones for loads obtained from the local environment. Form and material are suited to the amazing environment, the contours of the village fit in with the surrounding nature, and the lighting and design of the footpaths also supports the unique experience of the visitors, where nature plays a central role. The area is made as accessible as possible, and thus respect for the environment and the inclusion of all visitors are intertwined. People can enjoy the area on different grounds, e.g. by taking advantage of a variety of accommodation options.
The facilities in Mt Kerlingarfjöll both meet the demands of today and honor the history of a place that many people feel strongly about.”
Highlight relevance and quality
The Icelandic Design Awards shed light on the importance and quality of design and architecture in Iceland, focusing on their impact on quality of life, value creation and sustainability for society as a whole. The number of award categories was increased to three last year under the titles Work // Place // Product.