Nordic Architecture and Design – Iceland

Scan Magazine | NORDIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN – ICELANDMini  Theme: Special Theme | Nordic Architecture and Design – Iceland

Meet Minarc, a globally recognised design studio that doesn’t confine to tradition. Think unexpected materials, a strong holistic and environmental direction, and a desire to always do better. Adhering to sustainable practices and design standards, Minarc uses architecture to blur the line between the outdoors and indoors, the expected and the unexpected – challenging what’s possible for clients around the world.

By Emma Rödin | Photos: Art Gray

Based in sunny California, Minarc draws influence from Iceland, a corner of the Earth that could be described as the polar opposite. Founders Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson both originate from this place, which is widely known as the country of fire and ice. Famous for its harsh climate and striking natural beauty, it’s hardly surprising that this barren part of the world has come to represent such a big part of Minarc. “Me and Tryggvi are long-term partners in both life and business. We’re leading principals and head designers at our firm, working side by side and constantly creating and dreaming of new ideas for what we can and will do,” explains Erla.

The pair has always been passionate about sustainable practices, promoting architecture that highlights what’s outside in our natural surroundings while heralding warmth and socialising inside. There’s a shared appreciation for the absence of barriers and respect for open, integrated living spaces. “This understanding has become a key element of each project. We use what we know, where we came from, and what we understand,” adds Tryggvi.

The Minarc Group There’s more to Minarc than just an award-winning design studio. It sits under the Minarc Group umbrella, which is best described as a set of collective subsidiaries bringing thoughtful, modern design to an international landscape. The other pieces of the Minarc jigsaw include mnmMOD, Plús Hús and ERLA Construction, which together translate into a holistic and environmentally aware approach that is perfectly tailored to the needs of the firm’s clientele.

mnmMOD is a prefabricated panel system that replaces traditional wood framing. It provides structure and insulation that can be cladded with any exterior and interior finishes clients want. “Using mnmMOD, we can speed up the building process, which in the long-run means lower energy bills and less maintenance as mnmMOD panels don’t mould, catch fire, get termites or warp,” says Tryggvi.

Additionally, there’s Plús Hús, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design service developed by the two Minarc founders. Plús Hús offers simple, efficient multipurposed structures designed to help anyone add an affordable, environmentally responsible space to their property.

And let’s not forget ERLA Construction. Founded by Erla, this is a full-service general contracting firm built on integrity and an unconditional commitment to the highest quality in the implementation of projects. By forging relationships based on teamwork and smooth execution, ERLA Construction contributes a hands-on approach, resulting in the success of Minarc projects, and continuously strives to be a forerunner in the interest of sustainability.

Smart solutions and mighty materials Line up the projects signed Minarc side by side and you’ll begin to see – or not see,

DROPi.

rather – what connects the dots. The deliberate absence of paint, tiles and carpet might sound curious to the uninitiated, but makes perfect sense once you look at the full picture.

Then there’s the perhaps unusual, yet innovative, use of reclaimed wood, recycled glass, rubber tires and cement panels. All hallmarks of Minarc designs, these are complemented by eco-conscious decisions like the use of warm, natural materials such as walnut, birch and ipe – a durable South American wood that can last up to half a century. All this comes together to create an expertise applied to projects ranging from commercial and residential to small-scale renovations, all the way to full-blown construction works. “We treat all of our projects equally, and the process to achieve something no matter how large or small is always the same,” explains Erla.

DROPi Construction aside, Minarc’s designs can also be obtained in the form of interior products. The agency has its own range with carefully crafted items designed for sustainable living. Right now, the DROPi chair is a definite bestseller, inspired by – you guessed it – a droplet. The idea is that DROPi appears to descend in a free fall from the heavens, showered by yards of fabric that gently cradle the softly curved seat of moulded metal. DROPi is available for purchase worldwide on Etsy.

And there you have it, Minarc in a nutshell – a firm that hopes to remain fiercely driven and idealistic for years to come. In tune with its natural ties, Minarc is consistently evolving and growing, hoping to change the way buildings are built. “We must all strive to build smarter and do better,” concludes Erla.

Web: www.minarc.com Instagram: @minarcdesign

By Karin Blak

The emphasis for A2F is always on reducing the environmental impact of their architecture: choosing the materials that are best suited for the function of the buildings while taking the landscape, weather and social aspects into account.

In 2010, husband-and-wife team Falk Krüger and Adalheidur Atladottir established the architecture firm AF in Reykjavik. When Filip Nosek from Berlin joined them in 2014, they became A2F.

Atladottir talks enthusiastically about their holistic approach to designing buildings: “We work closely with our clients’ wishes from beginning to end.” To her, a building is part of the bigger context: the environment, the geology, the history and society that surround it. “I want to create structures that have positive social impacts wherever they are built,” she says.

She describes each project as a jigsaw puzzle: the requirements of the land, authorities and regulations that do not always allow for the client’s wishes. But Atladottir

Left: Award-winning project: FMOS Upper Secondary High School, Mosfellsbær, Iceland. Completed in 2014. Photo: A2F. Right: Adalheidur Atladottir. Photo: Díana Júlíusdóttir likes the challenge of putting the pieces together, creating buildings the client loves and which fit with their individual purpose.

The versatility of being a small company enables A2F to take on projects ranging from interior design and urban planning to larger architectural developments. “We can adapt and work with any project, no matter the size, and taking part in each stage of the process gives our clients a continuity in the relationship we develop with them.”

When Atladottir was ten years old, she wanted to become a teacher, an artist or an architect. She has achieved all three, lecturing at universities in Reykjavik and being a partner at A2F. She reflects on how art plays a part in architecture: “The art is combining the aesthetics with the technical aspects. When these two things come together, you have achieved something quite beautiful.”

Web: a2f.de Facebook: a2farchitects Instagram: @a2f_architects