Volcanic thermal spa

VA Architects, Geothermal spa and medical center

Abstract

The Blue Lagoon spa center is located on the edge of the Illahraun lava flow and overlooks a geothermal lake of the same name in Grindavík, a tourism location renowned both for its uncommonly appealing landscape and the therapeutic quality of its water.

It was designed and built based on a careful, respectful reading of the context. The result was an extension of a landscape that is already extraordinary and unique by learning about it and understanding it.

The building takes refuge in a natural lava berm that protects and defines the lagoon.
The relationship with the context can be seen in the images of the architectural structure as well as in the design’s graphic materials. There is an ongoing pursuit of a relationship with the natural elements, expressed in two different ways: one is a direct relationship with the lagoon on which the interior spaces open; and the other is a mediated relationship with the volcanic rock.