Nov 26

AR Emerging Architecture Awards shortlist: Borgarfjordur College, Borgarnes, Iceland by Kurtogpi Architects

The Architectural Review’s Emerging Architecture Awards, sponsored by Ramboll and Austin-Smith:Lord, celebrates the best pieces of design by young architects from across the world. Situated in Borgarnes, a small village 75km north of Reykjavik, is this college which made this years 25-strong shortlist

The new 3,410m² building not only serves its student population, providing teaching and recreational spaces, but also a broader community, functioning as a cultural house for the local municipality, with its 240-seat auditorium and generous foyers that occupy the irregular spaces between the orthogonal rooms.

With one wing projecting out to create an entrance court to the north-west and another addressing the broader landscape to the south, the buildings distorted footprint addresses both the existing buildings and more distant mountains.

Clad in brass, the facade reflects the passing seasons. Weathering over time to a golden brown, this skin also reflects the tone of the local rocky geology.

Interior spaces rely on a more decorative mode of articulation with circulation spaces animated by brightly coloured, striped walls. Large windows complete the ensemble, framing spectacular views and connecting the inside with the out.

Click for project drawings:

- Basement floor plan
- Ground floor plan
- First floor plan

Architect Kurtogpi Architects
Project team Asmundur Hrafn Sturluson, Steinpor Kari Karason, Por Vigfusson, Asgeir Sigurjonsson, Bergur Finnbogason, Bergur Thorsteinsson, Hidure Yr Ottosdottir
Location Borgarnes, Iceland
Building type School
Floor area 3411m²
Structural engineer Mannvit Engineers
Photography credits Hakan Ludwigson

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