Icelandic Architecture, Reykjavik Buildings, Projects, Photos, Designs, Images

Iceland Architecture : Buildings

Key Contemporary Architectural Developments in Reykjavik + surrounding area

post updated 27 Feb 2020

Icelandic Architecture

We selec what we feel are the best examples of Icelandic Architecture. We aim to include the most interesting design-led Icelandic buildings. We cover completed Icelandic buildings, new building designs, architectural exhibitions and competitions across Iceland.

Iceland Building – Latest Designs

Architecture in Iceland – latest additions to this page, arranged chronologically:

31 Jul 2013
The Station – Roadside Stop, Borgarnes
Design: KRADS

photo © Kristinn Magnusson
The exposed concrete of the exterior bestows the diner with a permanence unknown by its American counterparts creating a friction between its streamlined aesthetics and the rustic materiality’s gravity. An elongated bar-desk transforms into seating arrangements and characterizes the semicircular restaurant, which offers generous panoramic views of the scenic fjord Borgarfjordur while the curvilinear form allows for a smooth circulation of cars outside.

3 Apr 2013
Botanical Gardens Cafe, Akureyri
Design: Kollgata Arkitektúr

photo : Helga Kvam
Botanical Gardens Cafe Iceland
To commemorate the 150 year birthday of the township of Akureyri and the 100 years of the Botanical gardens of Akureyri, the city council decided to commission a cafe for the gardens. The site was at the center of the gardens, allowing for a 150m² building footprint.

17 Jan 2013
Vigdis Language Center, Reykjavik
OOIIO Architecture

image from architect
Vigdis Language Center
“Vigdis Foundation” (Stofnun Vigdísar Finnbogadóttur) is one of the most important institutions for the internationalization and preservation of Icelandic culture and values. The building that hosts this Foundation should be representative of the importance of these activities for its country, Iceland.

16 May 2012
Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges in Reykjavik
Teiknistofan Tröð

image from architects
Bridge Designs in Iceland
1st prize in an open two stage Icelandic Architecture Competition.
The bridges are designed in the shape of a triangular pyramid. The deck is held up with steel wires that connect to the top of the pyramid. A pathway lies between the two bridges and along the coastline with rest stops and information stands along the way.

16 May 2012
Hotel Building in Reykjavik
OOIIO Architecture

image from architects
Reykjavik Hotel Building : Iceland Architecture Competition
Submission for an international ideas competition. In Reykjavik, Iceland capital they wanted to build a big new hotel in Ingolfstorg, a public existing plaza in Kvosin, the city historical center, very close to the Iceland Parliament. The program was asking for a way too big building that couldn´t work well with the existing city pattern. There are no big buildings on this area.

22 Aug 2011
Icelandic Concert & Conference Centre, Reykjavik
Henning Larsen Architects + Olafur Eliasson

photo Courtesy of Harpa © Hörður Sveinsson
Harpa Iceland
With a festive musical programme, the new Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Harpa, was officially inaugurated. The opening took place in connection with the annual jazz and cultural festival of Reykjavik, and the Concert Hall hosted numerous concerts throughout the day. Harpa is designed by Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Batteriið Architects. The spectacular south facade of the building was developed in collaboration with the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.

Icelandic Buildings

Iceland photographs © David Welch / Muriel Welch 2007 – scans:

Hallgrimschurch, Skolavordustigur, central Reykjavik
Dates built: 1937-74
Gudjon Samuelsson architect

Hallgrimskirkja, Skólavörðustígur : tallest building in Iceland at 73m high

Raðhús : City Hall Reykjavik
Dates built: 1988-91/92
Studio Granda

photograph : David Welch
design competition 1986-87 : 38 entries
1st prize : architects Margret Hardardottir & Steve Christer – now Studio Granda
Location: Tjarnargata 11, north side of Lake Tjornin, central Reykjavik

More traditional Icelandic building photos at the base of this page

New Icelandic Architecture Designs

Contemporary Iceland Buildings, alphabetical:

Bifröst school building
Studio Granda

photograph : Magnus Gudnasson
Bifröst school building

Hof Residence, Skakafjordur fjord
Studio Granda

image from architects
Hof Residence Iceland

Vatnsmýri Urban Plan
Graeme Massie Architects

image from architects
Iceland Urban Plan

Supreme Court building
Studio Granda

photograph : Sigurgeir Sigurjonsson
Icelandic building

The Icelandic National Concert & Conference Centre, Reykjavik
Henning Larsen Architects

image from architects
Icelandic Concert & Conference Centre + Icelandic Concert Hall – latest information